For many English expatriates living abroad, national celebrations can take on a different meaning. St George’s Day, England’s national day, often passes with relatively little fanfare compared to other countries’ patriotic events. A recent Euro Weekly News poll asked if St George’s Day inspired a sense of patriotism. While some see it as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, others question whether a single day should carry the weight of national identity.
Some respondents expressed a strong and enduring connection to their English identity, regardless of where they now live. Alison Clarke Allen reflected this sentiment clearly: “Yes, I do! I may not live in Shepperton Surrey anymore, but it is still my home town. I moved abroad, I didn’t stop being English/British!” Similarly, David Egner shared a straightforward affirmation: “As an English immigrant, yes I do.” These perspectives suggest that distance can sometimes strengthen rather than weaken a sense of national belonging.
Others, however, take a more critical view. Marian Morgan Visockis questioned the premise altogether: “No. Should there be one day a year when you “feel patriotic”?” Caz Burnett echoed this scepticism from a broader perspective: “I’m an immigrant and I consider myself European. Never understood the “pride” of just happening to be born in a country”. Stephen Chatt Milne also emphasised the importance of adapting to life abroad: “No. I left UK over 40 years ago, still love having a British passport but have always classed whatever Country I was living in as my home. Cheers and on with the show”.
A few responses focused less on personal identity and more on how the day is marked. Stephen Cowdell commented: “St George’s day is St George’s day, I don’t need it to feel patriotic or proud of my country, it would just be nice to celebrate it better than we do, unfortunately lots of people (not POC, but other whites) appear to not like their own flag and feel that it’s somehow racist.” Mike Smith added a lighter observation: “To be fair the English seem more intent on celebrating St Patricks day than they do St Georges Day. May be that has something to do with being intent on quaffing large amounts of Guinness.”
While some expats feel a clear sense of patriotism linked to St George’s Day, many do not see it as particularly significant.
