Saint George's day in Barcelona - April 23rd

Well, a bit late, but I finally managed to find some time to write my article on this very special day.

In April 23rd Catalonia celebrates the day of our patron saint, Saint George. According to the story, he was a knight that killed a dragon to save a princess. From the blood of the dead dragon, a rose was born and Saint George offered it to the princess as a symbol of love. This is way on his day, Catalan men give a rose (preferably red) to their spouse or girlfriend. It is common that fathers will also buy one for their daughters, and some stores, theaters etc., might be offering roses as well.

Also, Cervantes and Shakespeare, two great writters who made history with their works, were born in April 23rd, that is why women buy their man a book (again, parents will often buy books to their kids, and it isn't strange that friends, colleagues or relatives offer books aswell).


The best area to check out the great athmosphere of Saint George day in Barcelona are Rambla Catalunya and La Rambla. It's packed with stalls of people selling roses and books. Bookstores and flower shops will of course set up tables in the street to make their largest sales in the year. But it's also a great occasion for teens to rise up money for their school trip or camp, associations to get funds for their projects... I also love to see the creativity of the floral compositions, that are more delightful every year.

As for the books, it is great to have a day when everyone is offering and buying books! Bookstores will make on April 23rd upto a 10% of their yearly sales. It's a great day for publishers and authors, who will often be signing their books.

Everyone takes the chance to go out for a walk to enjoy the ambiance: even many schools take the little ones out. And many buildings sport the Senyera, the Catalan Flag, hanging in their balconies.

The day is even remarked in pastryshops and bakeries, who create special cakes and bread for the occasion. And even other stores will join the party with their own customized suggestions.