St George's Day 2014: Traditions and Celebrations in Other Parts of the World

As (some) people across England celebrate St George's Day today, people across the world will also be marking the event.

As well as being the patron saint of England, St George's Day is also held in Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia.

In England, very few traditions remain regarding St George's Day – people used to wear a red rose in their button hole, but this has largely been abandoned.

However, in other countries, traditions remain. IBTimes UK takes a look at how St George's Day is celebrated across the globe.

Valencia and Cáceres, Spain

St George is patron saint in several cities in Spain, including Valencia and Cáceres. In the latter, a parade is held with actors playing Moorish and Christian soldiers. They also re-enact the story of how George slayed a dragon.

In Valencia, a thanksgiving celebration is held with a huge parade with people dressed in medieval costumes, also forming the armies of Christians and Moors. Actors depict the siege where the city of Alcoy became Christian.

Bulgaria

While not celebrated on 23 April, Bulgaria is possibly the most notable celebrator of St George's Day. On 6 May, people prepare and eat a whole lamb to honour George, who is also patron saint of Shepherds.

People believe George helps crops to grow and in some parts of the country people roll around in the morning dew naked.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

St George's Day in Bosnia and Herzegovia is also known as Durđevdan and is a festival to mark the beginning of spring. To celebrate, people decorate their homes with flowers and twigs. Other traditions include taking baths with flowers and washing their hands with water from the church. Lamb is traditionally eaten, while there is often singing, dancing and brass bands.

Serbia

Also known as Durđevdan, St George's Day in Serbia is the most common Slava – an Orthodox Church tradition of the glorification of the family's patron saint. People mark the day by taking morning picnics, playing music and dancing.

Catalonia, Spain

La Diada de Sant Jordi, or St George's Day in Catalonia, is also known as the Day of the Rose. It is a holiday similar to Valentine's Day in which couples and admirers exchange gifts. Traditionally, men give women roses and women give men books. More recently, the exchange of books has become more common.