Reinventing St George's Day

We want to keep the spirit of April 23 alive by filling the balconies with roses and donating books to those who need them most.

Usually, on April 23 the streets of of Catalonia are filled with stalls selling books and roses, but this year the celebration has been postponed to July 23. However, Casa Batlló is committed to continuing to celebrate on April 23 the feast of the patron saint of Catalonia. Solidarity books and colaboration with Red Cross.In this context of crisis, Casa Batlló joins the Red Cross to give visibility to the project “Promotion of School Success for children in social difficulties” and to deliver to every home in Catalonia a basic asset such as education. It is through reading and books that young and children can access culture in order to continue their process of intellectual as well as emotional growth. Casa Batlló invites citizens to participate in this project through the Red Cross’ website where donations can be made to support education as the main way to achieve equality.

The Legend of Saint George

The legend explains that long ago, in Montblanc (Tarragona) a ferocious dragon had frightened the inhabitants of the city. The inhabitants decided to calm him by feeding him one person a day that would be chosen randomly in a draw. After several days, the princess was the unlucky one.
When the princess left her home and headed towards the dragon, a gentleman named Saint George suddenly appeared to rescue her. Saint George raised his sword and stabbed the dragon, at last releasing the princess and the citizens from this turmoil.
From the dragon's blood a rose-bush grew with the reddest roses that had ever been seen. Saint George, now a hero picked a rose and offered it to the princess.

Did you know that Gaudí staged the legend of Saint George in the architecture of Casa Batlló so that, over the years, this fantastic tradition would continue to live on? Have a look:

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/saint-georges-day/

#Booksandroses

#CatalunyaExperience