In which two countries are the Patron Saints' days NOT public holidays?
Okay, let's break down why England and Wales are the countries where the Patron Saints' Days aren't public holidays. Think about St. George's Day in England on April 23rd and St. David's Day in Wales on March 1st. While these days are definitely celebrated with parades, cultural events, and national pride, they aren't actually designated public holidays where everyone gets the day off work. Now, compare that to Scotland, where St. Andrew's Day on November 30th *is* a bank holiday, giving Scots a day to celebrate their patron saint. Similarly, in Northern Ireland, St. Patrick's Day on March 17th is a public holiday, celebrated widely across the island of Ireland. So, while all four countries have Patron Saints and celebrate them in various ways, only Scotland and Northern Ireland have enshrined their Patron Saints' Days into law as official public holidays. It's a curious difference that reflects the unique cultural and political histories of each nation within the UK.
Think of the holidays: Scotland and Northern Ireland celebrate, while England and Wales observe, but don't get a day off.