Sant Jordi's day in Barcelona and Catalonia is celebrated every year on 23 April to commerate Saint George called Sant Jordi in Catalunya, who died on 23 April 303 AD. Guide to Sant Jordi day in Barcelona
Sant Jordi is the patron saint of Catalonia and St. George's day celebrations take inspiration from the famous legend of St. George and the dragon. Sant Jordi is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and also called "El Día de los Amantes" which means "Lovers Day." The 23 April is not a public holiday, just a very special day when Barcelona, and especially on the famous walking street Las Ramblas in Barcelona, which becomes the world biggest flower and book market.
The Sant Jordi tradition is that men give the ladies a long stemmed rose - that ladies give the men a book. The book tradition has nothing to do with Sant Jordi, but is a tribute to Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish novelist, who died on 23 April day in 1616. Be prepared for high rose prices on St. George's day ranging from 3 to over 10 euros for a single long stemmed rose. In recent years other colours of roses have appeared on Sant Jordi's. A yellow rose symbolises friendship. A white rose means innocence. An orange rose symbolises passion and desire and a pink rose means happiness. Red with white roses signify togetherness. A single rose means simplicity and bright red roses stand for beauty within. No festival without a cake in Catalunya so do visit Barcelona pastelerias to find special St. Jordi's day pastries. Pictures Sant Jordi's day Barcelona
Website Sant Jordi Barcelona
Wikipedia page Saint George
Happy Sant Jordi's. Feliç Diada de Sant Jordi! Happy Sant Jordi day!