On 23 April, the streets of Catalonia come alive with bright colours and intoxicating scents. This day, deeply rooted in Catalan culture, embodies a blend of love, culture and age-old traditions. Sant Jordi is one of the region’s most popular festivals, often compared to Valentine’s Day. However, it carries with it a unique history and spirit that are well worth discovering.
What is the origin of Sant Jordi?
The festival has its roots in a medieval legend that tells the story of Saint George, a courageous knight, known as Sant Jordi in Spanish. According to tradition, a terrible dragon terrorised a kingdom, demanding a human sacrifice every year to appease its wrath. When a princess was chosen to be offered to the monster, Saint George engaged in a heroic battle and, after defeating the dragon, a red rose appeared on the spot where the dragon’s blood had been spilt.
Since that day, the gift of a red rose has symbolised love and courage. The legend has been passed down over the centuries, and every year Catalans honour Saint George by exchanging roses and books.
So why give books as gifts on Sant Jordi?
Books became part of the Sant Jordi celebrations at the beginning of the 20ᵉ century, when Book Day was instituted in Catalonia, coinciding with the feast of Sant Jordi. April 23, the day William Shakespeare was born and Cervantes died, became a symbolic moment to celebrate literature. The gift of a book, in addition to the traditional rose, has thus taken on its full meaning, combining love and culture, two essential values for Catalans.
How is Sant Jordi celebrated nowadays?
In Barcelona and throughout Catalonia, Sant Jordi is a real event. The streets are lined with stalls selling roses and books. This exchange of gifts, particularly between lovers, friends and relatives, has become a tradition that cannot be ignored. On this day, the city’s bookstores and second-hand booksellers display books of all kinds, and authors come to sign their works, making this festival a time for meeting and sharing literature.
As well as exchanging roses and books, Sant Jordi is also an opportunity to celebrate Catalan culture, with literary events, public readings and parades. This lively, joyful atmosphere makes the festival a moment of conviviality where love and knowledge meet.
And what if preserved flowers joined the party?
While the tradition of Sant Jordi is based on the exchange of fresh roses, a recent development has made it possible to give a gift that lasts over time: preserved roses. Thanks to a stabilisation process, these roses retain their beauty and freshness for years. A symbol of love that remains as beautiful and vibrant as on the first day.
We hope this article has helped you discover or learn more about Sant Jordi, a Catalan festival rich in history and symbolism, but still too little known by the general public. Please feel free to share this article with others to support us and spread the word about this wonderful tradition.
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