Traditions and Customs in Great Britain

Crufts Dog Show
In February.
Valuable dogs from all over the world compete in Birmingham.
The best dog gets the title Crufts Supreme Champion.

Saint Valentine’s Day
February 14
Was started in the time of Roman Empire.
Is dedicated to St. Valentine.
People send a card to someone they love, like, fancy or admire.

Pancake Day
In March
The last day before Lent.
Pancake race-running while holding a pancake in a frying pan. Competitors have to throw it in the air and catch it again in the pan.

Easter
In April.
The celebration of the Resurrection of Christ
Schools are closed for two weeks.
People give each other chocolate eggs that are wrapped in silver paper.

May Day
May 1
A pagan festival to celebrate the end of winter and welcome summer.
Children dance around the maypole and sing songs.

Saint Swithin’s Day
July 15
Saint Swithin was England’s Bishop of Winchester.
40 days of bad weather will follow if it rains on this day.

Notting Hill Carnival
The last weekend in August.
Takes place in Notting Hill.
People dress up in fabulous costumes.
Steel bands play African and Caribbean music.

Halloween
October 31
A pagan festival celebrates the return of the souls that visit their former houses.
People dress up as witches, ghosts etc.
Houses are decorated with pumpkins.

Christmas Day
December 25
Religious ceremony commemorating the birth of Christ.
Children wake up early to find presents in their stockings.
Traditional Christmas tree and dinner.

New Year’s Eve
December 31
Traditionally Scottish celebration.
At midnight everybody joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne.