Beyond England: How St. George is Celebrated in Different Countries Around the World

While St. George is widely recognized as England’s patron saint, his veneration extends far beyond British shores. This 3rd-century Roman soldier has captivated cultures worldwide, each celebrating him in distinctive ways that reflect local traditions and values.

In Catalonia, Spain, La Diada de Sant Jordi transforms Barcelona into a sea of books and roses. This celebration of love and literature sees men giving women roses, while women present books to men, turning the streets into open-air markets filled with bookstalls and flower vendors. The tradition honors both St. George and the famous Catalan literary hero Don Quixote, whose author, Cervantes, died on the same date as Shakespeare.

Georgia, a country that takes its name from the saint, celebrates with particular fervor. Tbilisoba, a major festival in the capital city, features traditional dances, feasts, and colorful processions where St. George is revered as a symbol of national identity and resilience.

In Portugal, the town of Aljezur hosts a three-day festival with horseback processions, while in Greece, especially on islands like Rhodes and Skyros, April 23rd marks elaborate celebrations with feasting, dancing, and religious ceremonies.

Lebanon honors the saint with a feast day that brings together Christian and Muslim communities, particularly in towns like Beirut and Byblos, demonstrating St. George’s cross-cultural appeal. In Ethiopia, the saint is venerated as a warrior protector, with dramatic reenactments of his legendary dragon-slaying performed in villages throughout the country.

Russia’s devotion to St. George is evident in the country’s highest military decorations bearing his image, while in the Middle East, Palestinian Christians in towns like Lydda (where St. George is said to be buried) hold processions that have continued for centuries despite political tensions.

These diverse celebrations reveal how a single historical figure can inspire vastly different cultural expressions, uniting communities across religious and national boundaries through shared admiration for courage, sacrifice, and principled action.