The celebration of books, roses, and love in Catalonia
On April 23rd, Sant Jordi’s Day is celebrated in Catalonia— a very special occasion where two traditions come together: Book Day and Sant Jordi, which is also considered the Valentine’s Day of Catalonia. According to tradition, people give red roses and books as a sign of love and friendship.
Let’s see what these two celebrations are about and how they are celebrated.
The Legend of Sant Jordi
Many years ago, in a town called Montblanc, there lived a huge and dangerous dragon. It had an enormous appetite and ate one animal from the town every day. But one day, the animals were gone, and the dragon began to eat the townspeople. A daily lottery was held, and the person chosen was given to the dragon as food.
One day, the princess was chosen. The whole town was very sad, but the young woman accepted her fate like any other inhabitant of Montblanc. She went to the place where the dragon lived, ready to be eaten. But suddenly, a brave knight appeared: Sant Jordi. He fought the dragon and killed it with his sword. From the dragon’s blood that touched the ground, a beautiful rosebush with red roses grew. Sant Jordi picked one rose and gave it to the princess as a symbol of his devotion. And from that moment on, the tradition of giving red roses as a sign of love was born.
World Book Day
Book Day is also celebrated on April 23rd because it is the date when Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare both died. For this reason, people around the world dedicate the day to reading, and books are given as gifts.
The Celebration in Catalonia
On this day, streets are filled with book and rose stalls. Many authors sign their books, and the whole atmosphere is filled with literature and flowers. It is a cultural and romantic celebration, unique in the world. Sant Jordi is not an official public holiday, but schools hold special activities, and many people go out for a walk to celebrate love and culture.
In Barcelona, iconic places like Casa Batlló are specially decorated with pink and red roses, making the building even more beautiful—if that’s possible!
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful days of the year in the streets of Barcelona.
Free Monuments on Sant Jordi’s Day:
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
April 23rd, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Limited capacity. Ticket reservations available on their website.
Palau de la Generalitat
Limited capacity.
Library of Catalonia
April 23rd, from 10 AM to 7 PM. Limited capacity. Advance booking required.
Sagrada Família
Various time slots. Only for those named Jordi or Georgina.
Palau Güell
From 10 AM to 8 PM. Free admission.
Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
April 23rd, from 10 AM to 8 PM. No prior reservation needed.
Other Events on Sant Jordi’s Day:
Sant Antoni Market
April 22nd and 23rd, from 9 AM to 8 PM – Second-hand books and rare editions.
Bookmark Collectors’ Gathering (La Teixonera Civic Center)
April 27th, from 10 AM to 11 PM – Buy and trade unique bookmarks.
Sardana Dance Performance (Sant Jaume Square)
April 23rd, from 7 PM – Traditional Catalan music and dance.
10th Barcelona International Film Festival – Sant Jordi BCN Film Fest (Verdi Cinema)
From April 24th to May 2nd – https://www.bcnfilmfest.com/en
Charity Rose Sale (Barcelona City Hall)
April 23rd, from 10 AM to 8 PM – Roses sold to raise funds for charitable causes.
