St George’s Day Barcelona, also known as Sant Jordi Festival, is a unique celebration that takes place annually in Barcelona, Spain. This event, which occurs every 23rd of April, is a blend of culture and romance that has both World Book Day and Valentine’s Day vibes. It is a day when couples exchange gifts, with men receiving books and women receiving roses. However, this tradition has evolved over time, and now both genders can receive books and roses.
The Story of Saint George
The festival is based on the story of Saint George, a hero who saved a princess from a dragon. Saint George is the patron saint of Catalunya, and his tale is well-known throughout the city. The story tells of a dragon terrorizing the people of Montblanc, and Jordi, a knight, slaying the dragon and saving the king’s daughter. A bush of red roses grew from the dragon’s spilled blood. This is why the tradition of giving roses as a symbol of love began.
The Celebration
Although not a public holiday, the atmosphere in Barcelona transforms into a festive one, filled with books and roses. Stalls selling these items fill the streets, especially in the busiest areas such as La Rambla and Plaça Sant Jaume. People gather to buy thoughtful gifts for their loved ones and friends. The festival offers an opportunity to purchase the latest publications, meet well-known authors signing copies of their books, and enjoy the delightful scent of roses.
Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as visiting the Ajuntament de Barcelona (town council), which opens its doors to the public, and witnessing Catalan traditional folk dancing, the Sardana, in Plaça Sant Jaume. For those looking for a romantic experience, there are recommendations for the most romantic hotels in Barcelona city center. Additionally, there is a list of the best romantic proposal spots for those planning to propose during the festival.
Plaça Sant Jaume: Accessible via Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4) or the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.
Plaça de Catalunya: Accessible via Catalunya (Red Line, L1) and (Green Line, L3) or the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.
La Rambla: Accessible via Drassanes (Green Line, L3), Liceu (Green Line, L3), or Catalunya (Green Line, L3).
St. George’s Day in Barcelona 2024
St. George’s Day in Barcelona 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration that takes place on April 23rd. The central hub of the festival is a literary superblock in the city center, where booksellers and florists have their spaces. Barcelona City Hall and libraries host events and dialogues in the lead-up to Sant Jordi day 2024. Journalist and writer Gemma Ruiz Palà gave the opening speech for the Sant Jordi Reading Festival in 2024. Recommendations and news about books published by Barcelona City Council can be found on Sant Jordi’s Day at their bookstall and Sala Ciutat bookshop. Some of the latest book recommendations include “Rebel·lió: La vaga de lloguers del 1931,” “Històries de la Model,” and “Barcelona gegantera.”
St George’s Day in Barcelona 2024, Sant Jordi festival
In conclusion, the Sant Jordi Festival in Barcelona is a cherished occasion that brings together culture, romance, and community. It is a beautiful celebration filled with flowers, books, and a romantic atmosphere. This event is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich Catalan culture and traditions. Whether you are a local or a visitor, participating in the Sant Jordi Festival will undoubtedly provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
In Barcelona, Sant Jordi’s Day activities spread throughout the city. In addition to the Rambla de Catalunya, other prominent places are Plaça Sant Jaume, Passeig de Gràcia and the Gothic Quarter. Throughout the day, concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural activities are organized that make Sant Jordi’s day a unique and unforgettable party, all together make Sant Jordi’s day an unparalleled celebration.
There are also many cultural events related to the day, such as public readings, author signings, poetry recitals, concerts, exhibitions or workshops. In addition, each year a capital of Catalan culture is chosen, which hosts several events to commemorate Sant Jordi.
St george patron saint of…
Catalonia (Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida)
Southern Catalonia (Andorra)
Northern Catalonia (France)
England (United Kingdom)
Aragon (autonomous community of Spain)
St. George (city in Utah)
St. George Island (island in Florida)
St. George’s (capital of Grenada, but not in the United States)
Georgia (state in the United States, which has St. George as its patron on its seal and flag)
More about Attractions Barcelona
This site uses anonymous analytical cookies, its own for its proper functioning and advertising. Our partners (including Google) may store, share, and manage your data to deliver personalized ads. You can accept or decline. Here you are the Cookies Policy.
Although not a public holiday, the atmosphere in Barcelona transforms into a festive one, filled with books and roses. Stalls selling these items fill the streets, especially in the busiest areas such as La Rambla and Plaça Sant Jaume. People gather to buy thoughtful gifts for their loved ones and friends. The festival offers an opportunity to purchase the latest publications, meet well-known authors signing copies of their books, and enjoy the delightful scent of roses.
Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as visiting the Ajuntament de Barcelona (town council), which opens its doors to the public, and witnessing Catalan traditional folk dancing, the Sardana, in Plaça Sant Jaume. For those looking for a romantic experience, there are recommendations for the most romantic hotels in Barcelona city center. Additionally, there is a list of the best romantic proposal spots for those planning to propose during the festival.
