Una rosa para el amor y un libro para siempre
A local saying in Catalonia is “A rose for love and a book forever.” This saying reflects the tradition of giving roses and books as gifts during the holiday. It emphasizes the sentiment behind the gifts, with roses representing love and books representing lasting knowledge and enjoyment.
“Sant Jordi” is a Catalan holiday that is celebrated on April 23rd. The holiday is named after Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia. During this day, it is a tradition to exchange gifts of books and roses, and the streets are filled with vendors selling these items.
Sant Jordi, also known as St. George’s Day (sant jordi en barcelona), is a significant festival in Barcelona, Spain, and is celebrated on the 23rd of April every year. Also known as Sant Jordi – Catalonia’s version of Valentine’s Day. It is a day when the city is filled with flowers, books, and an array of cultural events. It is a beautiful day when the locals celebrate their love for literature, and it is a great time to be in the city.
Sant Jordi Barcelona – History
The festival of Sant Jordi dates back to the Middle Ages and is celebrated in many countries worldwide. According to legend, Saint George was a brave soldier who slayed a dragon to save a princess. The blood from the dragon’s wounds turned into a rose, which George gave to the princess. Thus, the festival is celebrated with the exchange of roses and books.
Sant Jordi Barcelona -Traditions
On Sant Jordi’s day, the streets of Barcelona are filled with bookstalls and florists, and the locals exchange books and roses. The tradition of exchanging books and roses began in 1923 when a bookseller suggested to the Spanish Booksellers Association that they celebrate the day with books. It was then that they decided to join the existing tradition of exchanging roses.
The day is also marked by various cultural events, including book signings, poetry readings, and performances. The streets are filled with musicians, dancers, and artists, and it is a great time to be in the city.
Celebrations
The festival of Sant Jordi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Barcelona. The city is decorated with flowers, and the locals wear the traditional red and yellow colors of the Catalan flag. The streets are filled with people, and there is a festive atmosphere everywhere.
In the morning, many bookstores open early, and people start queuing up to buy their favorite books. The bookstores also host book signings, and people can meet their favorite authors and get their books signed.
In the afternoon, the streets are filled with people exchanging roses. The florists set up stalls on every street corner, and people can buy roses of different coolers and sizes. The tradition is that men give roses to women, and women give books to men. However, nowadays, the tradition has evolved, and people of all genders exchange books and roses.
Travelling
The cost of travelling to Barcelona depends on your location and mode of transport. If you are travelling within Europe, you can fly to Barcelona for around €50-€200 depending on the airline and time of booking. If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the Renfe train from Madrid to Barcelona for around €40-€150. The cost of travelling by bus is around €20-€60.
Entry Fees: The festival of Sant Jordi is a free event, and there is no entry fee to participate. However, if you plan to attend any of the cultural events or book signings, there may be a small fee.
Food: The cost of food in Barcelona varies depending on where you eat. You can expect to pay around €8-€15 for a meal at a local restaurant, and around €5-€10 for a sandwich or a snack from a street vendor.
Conclusion
The festival of Sant Jordi (sant jordi en barcelona) is a unique and beautiful tradition in Barcelona, Spain. It is a day when the city comes alive with flowers, books, and cultural events. The locals celebrate their love for literature and share their passion for reading. If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, make sure to visit the city during Sant Jordi’s day to experience the beauty of this festival.
FAQs
Q: What is Sant Jordi’s Day, and when is it celebrated? A: Sant Jordi’s Day, also known as St. George’s Day, is a significant festival in Barcelona, Spain, and is celebrated on the 23rd of April every year. It is a day when the city is filled with flowers, books, and an array of cultural events.
Q: What is the history behind the festival of Sant Jordi? A: The festival of Sant Jordi dates back to the Middle Ages and is celebrated in many countries worldwide. According to legend, Saint George was a brave soldier who slayed a dragon to save a princess. The blood from the dragon’s wounds turned into a rose, which George gave to the princess. Thus, the festival is celebrated with the exchange of roses and books.
Q: What happens on Sant Jordi’s Day in Barcelona? A: On Sant Jordi’s day, the streets of Barcelona are filled with bookstalls and florists, and the locals exchange books and roses. The day is also marked by various cultural events, including book signings, poetry readings, and performances. The streets are filled with musicians, dancers, and artists, and it is a great time to be in the city.
Q: Can I buy books in languages other than Spanish on Sant Jordi’s Day? A: Yes, you can find books in various languages, including English, French, German, and Catalan, among others, in the bookstalls on Sant Jordi’s Day.
Q: Are there any additional costs associated with attending the festival? A: The festival of Sant Jordi is a free event, and there is no entry fee to participate. However, if you plan to attend any of the cultural events or book signings, there may be a small fee. Additionally, you will have to pay for your travel expenses, food, and any other activities you may choose to do during your visit.
Q: Can I attend Sant Jordi’s Day with children? A: Yes, the festival of Sant Jordi is a family-friendly event, and there are many activities for children, including storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and other entertainment options.
Q: Can I bring my own book to have it signed by an author during a book signing? A: Yes, you can bring your own book to have it signed by an author during a book signing. However, it is always best to check with the bookstore or event organizer beforehand to ensure that this is allowed.
Q: What is the best time to visit Barcelona to experience Sant Jordi’s Day? A: Sant Jordi’s Day is celebrated on the 23rd of April every year, so that is the best time to visit Barcelona to experience the festival. However, it is advisable to plan your trip well in advance, as it is a busy time of the year, and accommodation options may be limited.
