> Now tell me about St. George's day. Do you get presents?
> Howard

*Warning, Rant starts here*

Indeed, as Sigi has already said, the National Day of the Patron Saint of England has been effectively sidelined. All the other countries in the British Isles, i.e. Wales, Scotland and Ireland have their own Saints days and celebrate them with gusto. They are encouraged to do so. However, the English are more or less actively discouraged from celebrating our own Saints Day, because of the attitude of most of the officials in Local Government. It would seem that to celebrate "being English" on April 23rd (St George's Day) would be offensive to ethnic minorities, so pubs and bars that apply for permission to open late and celebrate the day are most often turned down. People have even been cautioned by the Police for flying the Flag of St George on their property. Meanwhile, the various celebrations of those ethnic minorities are welcomed with open arms. St George's Day could be a great way to celebrate our national identity, if only those in power would actually let us.

St Patrick's Day is more widely celebrated in London than St George's Day.

*Rant finished*

Bea"Truly a day for Shakespeare as well. He died on that day too."sty