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Sant Jordi: A Book and a Rose

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Sant Jordi: A Book and a Rose

On April 23, Barcelona’s streets fill with the scent of roses and freshly printed books to celebrate St George

Sant Jordi (aka Saint George) is the patron saint of Catalonia, and although his saint’s day isn’t a public holiday, it’s always a celebration. Don’t expect saints clutching swords or dragons dripping blood: it’s a day for lovers, authors, book-signings and rose stalls.

The tradition

Tradition dictates a rose for her and a book for him. But nowadays the rules are more flexible – women like to read too! Getting your hands on a rose couldn’t be easier. In fact, it’s hard to find a corner in the city that hasn’t been invaded by impromptu stalls. There are clubs and associations, charities and professional florists, students raising money and people making a little extra cash. For book-givers, the prize is a spanking-new first edition signed by the author. It seems every writer in Spain – and a smattering of foreign authors – spends the day being herded round signing sessions in the temporary marquees lining the main streets.

A mass celebration


There’s more to the day than books and roses, mind you. Barcelona welcomes spring with a flurry of artistic expression. Balconies are draped with Catalan flags, and crowds stroll the avenues, while restaurants are booked out by couples seeking a romantic table for two. La Rambla reaches full capacity. Plaça Catalunya becomes an open-air stage with a continuous programme of music and other acts. Literature comes alive, with poetry recitals and readings – this is also UNESCO’s World Book Day, and the day chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the deaths of both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Theatre tickets are half price, as are roses at the end of the day – the ideal time for absent-minded lovers to make a last-minute purchase.

Blooming great

I recent years, around 6 million roses have been sold around Catalonia on April 23 – about 80 percent are red, while yellow, rainbow and Barça blue-and-red ones were are also popular.

In 2016, just over 1.6 million books were purchased, the majority (54 percent) in Catalan. Among the best-sellers was 'The Girl on the Train', which topped the Spanish-language fiction list.

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Catalan Tourist Board is the official body that works to promote and consolidate the “Catalunya” brand around the world.

Catalonia is the number one tourist destination in Spain and one of the leading destinations in Europe, with more than 24 million tourists visiting per year, of which more than 14 million are from abroad.

The office in the Nordic countries takes leads the Catalonia's promotion in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Estonia.

www.catalunya.com #catalunyaexperience

Kontakt

Eulàlia Cabana

Eulàlia Cabana

Pressekontakt Director Nordic Office

Velkommen til Catalan Tourist Board Nordic!

Catalan Tourist Board is the official body that works to promote and consolidate the “Catalunya” brand around the world.
Catalonia is the number one tourist destination in Spain and one of the leading destinations in Europe, with more than 24 million tourists visiting per year, of which more than 14 million are from abroad.
The office in the Nordic countries takes leads the Catalonia's promotion in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Estonia.
www.catalunya.com #catalunyaexperience

Catalan Tourist Board Nordic
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