Saint George's Day - Jour de la Saint-Georges

Saint George's Day, known in French as Jour de la Saint-Georges, is a provincial observance in Newfoundland and Labrador held on the nearest Monday to April 23. The day commemorates St. George, the patron saint of England, reflecting the deep English heritage of the province.

While not a general statutory holiday across all of Canada, Saint George's Day is recognized as a shop closing day in parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as a reminder of the strong historical ties between the province and England, which date back centuries to the earliest European settlements on the island.

The veneration of St. George dates back to the early Christian era, with the legendary tale of the saint slaying a dragon becoming one of the most iconic stories in Western culture. St. George was adopted as the patron saint of England in the 14th century under King Edward III, who founded the Order of the Garter in his honour around 1348.

Newfoundland's connection to England runs extraordinarily deep. John Cabot arrived on the island in 1497 under the English flag, and Newfoundland became England's first overseas colony. For centuries, the island was governed directly from England, and waves of English settlers — particularly from the West Country (Devon, Dorset, Somerset) — shaped the culture, dialect, and traditions of the province.

Saint George's Day has been observed in Newfoundland since the earliest colonial period. When Newfoundland joined Canadian Confederation in 1949, the province retained many of its unique holidays, including Saint George's Day, as a way of preserving its distinct cultural identity.

Flag Flying: The flag of St. George — a red cross on a white background — is flown alongside the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial flag and the Canadian flag on public buildings.

Church Services: Many Anglican and other Protestant churches in Newfoundland hold special services on or around Saint George's Day to honour the patron saint.

Community Gatherings: In some communities, particularly those with strong English heritage such as towns along the English Shore (the coast between St. John's and Bonavista), local gatherings and heritage events are held.

School Activities: Schools in Newfoundland and Labrador may incorporate lessons about English heritage and the story of St. George into their curriculum around this time.

Shop Closings: As a designated shop closing day in parts of the province, many retail businesses close, giving employees a day off to observe the holiday.