The whole centre of Barcelona is filled today with people, roses and bookstands. It’s Sant Jordi, Saint George’s day, one of the most beautiful events you can witness in the Catalan capital.
Catalunya’s version of Valentine’s day, Sant Jordi is a festivity that combines culture and romanticism. On 23 April, according to tradition couples exchange gifts: a book for the men and a rose for the women. Book and flower stalls are set up along the streets of Barcelona. They fill will people walking around stalls, looking for a gift for their beloved, and for their family and friends, too. You will be able to find the latest publications, see well-known artists signing copies of their books, and of course, smell the scent of the roses.
April 23rd is the day the people of Catalonia have been commemorating their patron saint of lovers with large rose markets since the 15th century. It is also the world book day and the copyright day, in commemoration of the death anniversaries of two of the world’s greatest writers, Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Bring these two together, and you get the Day of the Book and the Rose, where traditionally men give women roses and women give men books.
