Saint George's Day

Saint George is the patron saint of England, celebrated annually on 23rd April, the day of his death, in 303.

Although the Saint never visited the British Isles in his lifetime, his legend is well known in England. It is said that he fought on English side during the Crusades and the Hundred Year's War. Nowadays, Saint George's day is considered a celebration of English culture.

A traditional custom to celebrate this day is to fly the Saint George's Cross flag, the flag of England and part of the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom. As well, English people consume traditional English food and drinks.

But 23rd April is not just known as the "national" day of England. This day is celebrated as the commemoration of William Shakespeare's birthday and death. He was baptised the 26th April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and he became the greatest English writer and the best dramatist of the world. He wrote about 38 plays (including Hamlet, Macbeth, The tempest or Romeo and Juliet), 154 sonnets and two long narrative poems.

Known as the "Bard of Avon", today we can visit the theatre which was built in London by his playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's men, in 1599, recently rebuilt: The Globe.

To know more about Shakespeare and The Globe, follow this link and experience the virtual tour:

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/about-us/virtual-tour