Like every April 23, today is celebrated the Day of San Jordi in Spain. It is important to highlight that today is also World Book Day, promoted by UNESCO in 1995. That is why on this day, in addition to exchanging roses, giving books is the way to commemorate one of the most deeply rooted traditions within the culture Catalan. It should be added that it has become a classic to get the latest literary novelties, special editions or the signature and dedication of your favourite author; and let’s not forget today is Language Day in Latin America as well.
However, today’s post is about the celebration of Sant Jordi.
The festival of Sant Jordi is a day that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Catalonia. On April 23, the streets of cities and towns are packed with people and stalls selling books and roses. It is about celebrating the festivity of the patron saint of Catalonia and remembering this tradition based on love and culture.
Legend of Sant Jordi
The legend explains that a long time ago, in Montblanc (Tarragona), a ferocious dragon capable of poisoning the air and killing with its breath, had the inhabitants of the city frightened. The inhabitants, scared and tired of his ravages and misdeeds, decided to calm him down by feeding one person a day who would be chosen by lottery. After several days, bad luck fell on the princess. As the princess was leaving her home and heading towards the dragon, a knight named Sant Jordi, in shining armour and on a white horse, suddenly appeared to come to her rescue. Sant Jordi raised his sword and pierced the dragon, finally freeing the princess and the citizens. From the blood of the dragon a rosebush sprouted with the reddest roses that had ever been seen. Sant Jordi triumphantly plucked a rose and offered it to the princess.
This legend has been a source of inspiration for so many artists, such as Antoni Gaudí.
The legend of Sant Jordi is common in some European countries, such as England, Greece and Portugal.
In Barcelona, streets like Las Ramblas, Paseo de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya are filled with people and stalls selling roses and books. The atmosphere is very special and it is an ideal day to contemplate and enjoy aimlessly. In other parts of Barcelona, we can find sardanas, exhibitions, Open Days of emblematic buildings, “castells” (human towers) or even cultural activities such as photography contests, readings or concerts.
In Catalonia, the celebrations of the population of Montblanc also stand out. During the “Montblanc Medieval Week” acts and theatrical and musical performances flood the streets to celebrate and revive the legend. In the old town, there is a portal called “Portal de Sant Jordi” through which it is said that the knight came out after killing the beast.
As tradition indicates, on the day of Sant Jordi, an exchange is made, in which the woman gives a book to the man and the man gives roses to the woman.
What are you waiting for? Let’s exchange love, culture and knowledge around the world! Feliz Sant Jordi! 🌹📚
Dancing Giglio 
Your writting I think Is so interesting, because I found very very curios thing about your country and traditions
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