St. George’s Day in England: What’s Open, Closed on National Day? Banks, Mail, Post Office, Grocery Stores

Saint George is depicted dressed in shiny armor, trying to rescue a princess from a terrible dragon that is terrorizing her town. (NGA.Gov)

Saint George’s Day--the feast day of Saint George and the National Day for England--is today, April 23.

The day is not an official holiday, instead falling under the religious holiday designation. Recent years have seen a push by elected officials to make it a holiday, but they haven’t succeeded so far.

As such, banks are open on the day--as are post offices, mail delivery, grocery stores, and most other services and businesses. 

It wasn’t always like this. The day used to signal a major feast and national holiday in England on par with Christmas from the early 15th century through the middle of the 18th century.

But the tradition waned, only gaining steam again in recent years--to a much lesser extent.

Nowadays it’s common to see parades, pageants, or other celebrations on the day, but it’s rare for people to get off work to celebrate the way a proper holiday works.