If you had to pick just one day each year to be in Barcelona, many would choose the 23rd of April, el día del libro and Sant Jordi’s day. Sant Jordi famously slayed the dragon, and you can find his figure carved in stone on several buildings.
Roses, roses, everywhere
Tradition has it that you give roses to your loved ones on the day of Saint Jordi, so there are people selling roses everywhere. Students raising money for their summer school holidays, others raising money for a variety of charities, or those who are selling roses to earn some money. Florists take it one step further, with their displays and the bouquets on offer.
Rambla Catalunya – book signing
Publishers work behind the scene to get their best authors to sign copies of their latest books. So authors go from street to street, and from bookshop to bookshop, happily signing copies for their fans who wait in line to greet their favourite authors.
Store windows and buildings will be covered in roses to mark the occasion. There are book readings, theatre performances and crowds in every bookshop, so if you want to keep the tradition of giving books to your nearest and dearest, maybe buy in advance, or get up early. There is a 10% discount for same-day purchases, but it is best to know what you are looking for.
Sant Jordi – slaying the dragon
The story is told that a beautiful rose bush grew in the spot where the dragon’s blood was spilt, which would bear roses every April. This is the origin of the medieval tradition when men would give a rose to their beloved on the day of Sant Jordi.
Location
Throughout Catalonia. Barcelona draws the crowds, particularly in the centre of the city, where there is a great festive spirit from morning to night.