A large mechanical dragon at Saint George's Day celebrations

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Happy Saint George's Day!. Saint George's Day

Saint George's Day has arrived, bringing with it legendary tales of bravery and a fearsome dragon. This widely celebrated feast honors Saint George, the soldier-saint and dragon slayer, and is observed on April 23—the date traditionally associated with his martyrdom. Saint George rose to prominence in England during the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War, eventually becoming the nation's patron saint in the Tudor period. However, enthusiasm for his feast day declined after the union of England and Scotland in the 18th century. Recognition of Saint George as England's patron saint and the celebration of his day has resurged since the mid-1990s. This revival builds on efforts that began with the Royal Society of St. George in 1894. Since the early 2010s, these initiatives have gained momentum, leading to festivities that increasingly resemble a national holiday in England.

Pictured here is a towering mechanical dragon from the day's weekend celebrations. This is connected to the legend of Saint George defeating a fearsome dragon. According to the story, a village was terrified by a dragon demanding tribute. When the local princess was chosen as the next sacrifice, Saint George encountered her on her way to the beast's lair. Despite her warnings to flee, he bravely faced the dragon, vanquished it and saved the day.