Sant Jordi - The most romantic day in Catalonia!

As it’s coming up to Dia de Sant Jordi (April 23rd) – Saint George's Day, I thought I’d do a small post about the history and significance of the day, with a few photos from last year's festival. Sant Jordi - Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia and on the 23rd of April is the day of the feast (of Sant Jordi) The 23rd of April was also declared by Spain as “Book Day” as this was the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, the most famous Spanish writer (Don Quixote) In England this date was also recognised as the death of Shakespeare. Coincidentally as this was the same day as the feast of Sant Jordi, it meant that Book Day was rarely celebrated.

Placa de Sant Jaume on Dia de Sant Jordi

As legend has it, the history of Sant Jordi is that he slayed the dragon who was terrorising the town and saved the Princess. A rose grew from the blood of the slain dragon, which is where the symbol of the rose and romance comes from. It’s seen as the “Valentine’s Day” of Catalonia in which couples exchange a rose or a book, usually the woman receives a rose and the man receives a book! Dia de Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, is now called the day of the rose and the book, a day of love and culture.

Sant Jordi on the front of the Generalitat Building

Stalls of book sellers and rose sellers gather in Placa de Sant Jaume as well as all around the city, where you can browse and buy in the sunshine and enjoy the atmosphere. You can also gain free entry to the two main buildings in Placa de Sant Jaume – The Ajuntament (City Hall) and the Generalitat (Government building) which are beautiful inside (see photo gallery).

All photos by Gemma Reid Photography for heartBCN