🌹 A Tale of Courage and Love
Every year on April 23rd, all of Catalunya bursts into color with the celebration of La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day). This beloved festival combines romance, literature, and Catalan pride, making it one of the most magical days in Barcelona.
But where does this tradition come from? The answer lies in a centuries-old legend.
🐉 The Myth of Sant Jordi and the Dragon
The story is that in the town of Montblanc in Tarragona, Catalunya (an hour and a half away by car from Barcelona), a fearsome dragon terrorized the people. To keep it at bay, the villagers offered it livestock—until they ran out of animals. Desperate, they began sacrificing young maidens, chosen by lottery.
One day, the princess was selected. As she walked toward the dragon’s lair, a brave knight named Jordi (George in Catalan) appeared. He fought the dragon, piercing it with his sword. From the dragon’s blood, a rosebush grew, and Jordi plucked the most beautiful rose to give to the princess.
This tale of courage, love, and chivalry became central to Catalan identity.
📚🌹 From Legend to Tradition: Roses & Books
Over time, Sant Jordi’s Day evolved into a celebration of love and culture.
- The Rose (La Rosa) – Inspired by the legend, men traditionally gave women a red rose, symbolizing love and passion. Today, roses are exchanged between couples, friends, and family.
- The Book (El Llibre) – A bookseller from Barcelona in 1922 initially conceived the idea to honor Miguel de Cervantesand start World Book Day. Eventually, it was set as April 23rd as Cervantes’ and Shakespeare’s death anniversary and was extended internationally.
Now, people gift books, turning the day into Catalonia’s version of Valentine’s Day and World Book Day combined.
🎉 How Barcelona Celebrates Sant Jordi’s Day
The city transforms into an open-air fair of literature and romance. It is not an official public holiday, so all offices and stores are 100% operational and the kids are at school, so plan accordingly.
Tip: If you can, try to go in the morning before it gets busy around mid-day or after school. It is beautiful meandering down the streets glancing at the books for sale and smelling the roses.
- La Rambla de Catalunya transforms into streets filled with book and rose vendors.
- Authors sign books at bookstores, vendors, and the main streets and squares.
- Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Casa Batlló will be covered in roses for the day.
- Live music and poetry readings, fill the streets. I love the spots on Passeig de Gracia, Plaza de Cataluna, Plaça de Sant Jaume, and Portal del Angel for beautiful backdrops.
- Open house to explore the Barcelona City Hall, Modernist Sant Pau Hospital, Library of Catalonia, Palace of the Catalan Government, among other key places in Barcelona and many public museums.
- Free entry to the Sagrada Familia if your name is George, Georgina, Jordi, Jordina, or if your good friend with that name wants to invite you. Sign up in advance required and they fill fast!
- Sardanes (traditional Catalan dances). At Plaça Sant Jaume at 7:00 PM, there will groups dancing to a band with flabiols.
- The senyera (Catalan flag) waves proudly, reinforcing regional pride. All the roses, bookmarks, magnets, and decorations for sale will likely have the flag or colors.
- Children dance at school and listen to fun music, like this Sant Jordi’s Day song, to learn the tale in fun ways.
Why Sant Jordi Matters Today
Sant Jordi’s Day is more than a festival—it’s a symbol of Catalan resilience and creativity. In a time when traditions fade, this celebration combines literature, love, and local identity.
Will you be in Barcelona for Sant Jordi? Share your favorite part of the day in the comments!
📚🌹 Feliç Diada de Sant Jordi! 🌹📚
