Slay a dragon for St George's in Belgium

There is much discussion in England over whether or not there should be a national holiday to celebrate St George's Day on April 23rd.

While the debate continues about the best way to remember England's patron saint, there is the opportunity to celebrate it in Belgium, albeit not on April 23rd.

In Belgium, the residents of the city of Mons, gather together every year to re-enact the battle of Lumecon.

According to legend, George, a young Christian officer travelled to save the King's daughter from a Mediterranean land. He captured and slayed the dragon, and returned the princess to safety.

In the re-enactment on June 11th, 31 men perform in the battle of Lumecon, playing either the part of George's escort, or the dragon itself, while the saint rides on horseback.

A public celebration, the gathered spectators also take part in the procession, trying to grab ribbons and hair from the dragon's tail, which sails past them as it makes its way down the street.

For the superstitious, bagging such a prize from the dragon brings good luck.

The battle can be caught at midday in the Main Square in Mons, before which there are historical and religious processions through the town, starting from the Collegiate Church of Saint Waudru.

The procession, in much the same form as 100 year ago, is rounded off by the emergence of the chariot of gold, a dazzling Louis XVI-style horse-drawn gilt carriage, which is pulled up Saint Waudru Ramp, while the public are allowed to help push.

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