Sant Jordi: Books, Roses, and Dragons
Every April 23rd, Barcelona and all of Catalonia transform into a magical place, where streets fill with books, roses… and dragons.
Sant Jordi is not just a festival: it is a declaration of love for culture, life, and imagination.
Today we’ll tell you all about this unique celebration that blends knights, princesses, literature, and passion.
Who was Sant Jordi?
Sant Jordi (Saint George) is one of the most popular saints in Europe, but in Catalonia his figure takes on a special dimension.
Legend has it that in a distant kingdom, a dragon terrorized the population. Each day, to calm it, they offered a human sacrifice, chosen by lottery. One day, it was the princess’s turn.
When the dragon was about to devour her, Sant Jordi appeared, fought against the beast, and killed it with his lance.
From the dragon’s blood, a rosebush with red flowers sprouted. Sant Jordi cut a rose and gave it to the princess.
A story of courage, love, and sacrifice that remains alive more than a thousand years later.
Why is it celebrated on April 23rd?
April 23rd is the day when, according to tradition, Sant Jordi died as a martyr in the 3rd century.
But the date also has an added cultural value: in 1616, the deaths of two literary geniuses coincided, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes (although not exactly on the same day, due to the Julian and Gregorian calendars).
That’s why, in 1995, UNESCO declared April 23rd as World Book Day.
In Catalonia, long before that official declaration, April 23rd was already the festival of love and culture.
How is Sant Jordi celebrated in Barcelona?
The entire city becomes an open-air festival.
Thousands of book and flower stalls fill the main streets and squares: Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla Catalunya, Portal de l’Àngel, Rambla del Raval…
Some essential traditions:
1. Giving a rose
The oldest symbol of the festival. Traditionally, men gave a red rose to women as a sign of love.
Today, it’s common for friends, family, and couples to exchange roses of all colors.
👉 Fun fact: Many roses are tied with a wheat spike, a symbol of prosperity.
2. Giving a book
Since the early 20th century, giving books also became popular, especially from women to men.
Today, the exchange is mutual, and books have become absolute protagonists.
👉 Fact: April 23rd represents more than 10% of annual book sales in Catalonia.
3. Author signings
It’s a unique opportunity to meet your favorite writers. Bookstores organize signing sessions, and the most famous authors sign copies throughout the day.
The magical atmosphere of Sant Jordi
- Emblematic buildings like the Palau de la Generalitat or the City Hall open their doors for special visits.
- The streets are decorated with Catalan flags (senyeres) and floral motifs.
- There are cultural activities: public readings, literary contests, poetry recitals, and street performances.
- Many shop windows and buildings display dragons and references to the legend.
Tip:
👉 If you visit Barcelona on Sant Jordi, prepare to walk among crowds, enjoy the atmosphere, buy a special book… and take home more than one rose!
Sant Jordi today: Love, culture, and Catalan pride
Sant Jordi is much more than a Catalan Valentine’s Day. It’s a festival that combines romantic love, love for reading, love for the land, and its traditions.
In an increasingly digital world, seeing thousands of people on the street giving each other books and flowers is a celebration of the simple and profound beauty of human culture.
Moreover, Sant Jordi is also a symbol of Catalan pride, of an identity that embraces modernity without renouncing its roots.
Where to experience Sant Jordi in Barcelona?
Some must-visit places:
- Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya: epicenter of bookstores and flower shops.
- Casa Batlló: Its façade is adorned with roses, an essential photo opportunity.
- Plaza Catalunya: Where major publishing houses and events are concentrated.
- Gothic Quarter: Charming alleys filled with traditional stalls.
- Plaça Sant Jaume: Featuring institutional activities and concerts.
- La Rambla: To experience the most popular Sant Jordi celebration.
Sant Jordi: A Day to Fall in Love with Barcelona
If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona on April 23rd, it’s not just any ordinary day.
It’s a day to walk slowly, give smiles, smell the roses, choose a book that will change your life… and feel that you’re part of a story much bigger than yourself.
Because on Sant Jordi, Barcelona is not just a city: it’s an enormous heart beating in every page, in every petal, in every story.
