Tomorrow is April 23rd. Also known as the Saint George in the world or Sant Jordi in Barcelona and Catalonia. Besides that, April 23rd is also the world day of literature and, in Catalonia, the most romantic day of the year. Moreover, because Sant Jordi is also a kind os skipper of Catalonia, is a day when plenty of celebrations go on through the city. Today I will tell you a little bit about the story behind Sant Jordi, what are the local traditions around it, why is the most romantic day of the year and some ideas about places that you can visit in Barcelona because of it.
The story behind Sant Jordi
The legend says that many centuries ago, there was a dragon in a cave. This dragon had the whole town terrified. It would eat several flocks of sheep a day. The town did not know what to do with it and so the king decided to give the dragon a daily human sacrifice. To be fair, they decided to randomly choose who was going to be the dragon’s meal.
Unfortunately, the first person chosen was the princess of the town, one of the most loved people in town. Even though everybody asked the king not to sacrifice the princess, he wanted to be a fair ruler and so he proceed to bring his daughter to the cave. Right when he was coming back, a white knight arrived to town. The people asked him to save the princess and helped him fight the dragon. After a bloody battle, they managed to kill the beast and free the lady. The next morning, where the blood of the dragon soaked the earth, a rose bush appeard full of deep red flowers.
And the reality
History tells that Sant Jordi, or Saint George, was a knight who refused to chase down Christians. Because of that he was killed and martyred. Later on, he was venerated in many contries around Europe. And he died on April 23rd… What is now Saint George’s Day!
Traditions: The book and the roses
Because of the rose that grew from the blood of the dragon, it is tradition to give a rose as a present to anyone you love. Usually, it is given from men to woman, independently if they are lovers, friends or family. In the past few years, this is becoming less and less sex-specific and you can buy and receive roses independently of who you are. At the same time, April 23rd is also the national book day. From that part derives the second part of the tradition. Usually, women gave their men a book. And here you have the magic behind Sant Jordi in Barcelona : the book and the rose!
Places to visit the day of Sant Jordi in Barcelona
Sant Jordi in Barcelona, and in all Catalonia, is a huge day. People share love and exchange presents. The Ramblas in Catalonia get filled with stands of people selling roses and books. Authors are signing their stories in every corner and the whole city gets on its shiny pants. For example, all museums in the city are free during this day.
Some of the official buidings of Barcelona, such as the city hall, are opened. This is interesting because this building is closed during most of the year. Another sights of the city that are worth a visit during Sant Jordi is the Casa Batlló. This amazing building gets its balconies covered in red roses for this day. The Pedrera (Casa Batlló), also does open its doors for free to some parts of the building. Another interesting sight is the Palau Güell, another amazing building by Gaudi that is often overseen.
Because it is not an official holiday, people will go to work normally. Because of that the celebrations that occur during this day mostly happen during the afternoon. It is the case of the dance of Sardanes in front of the Cathedral.
Food and Sant Jordi
Because we are Spanish, of course we have a special desert for this date. If you decide to spend Sant Jordi in Barcelona, go to a bakery and ask for “El Pa de Sant Jordi”. It literaly translates by “The bread of Saint George”. Because this day is only celebrated in Catalonia, little by little it has become a sign of our culture and tradition. For this reason the typical bread from this day represents our flag. And it is delicious. This treat is made out of three different types of bread: sobrasada, cheese and walnuts. Believe me when I tell you that if you can, try it. My favourite one in the city can be found in a small bakery lost in Poble Sec. Here you have a link to it!
I hope you enjoy Sant Jordi in Barcelona! If you liked this post, pin it and share the love!
Oohhh, El Pa de Sant Jordi sounds delicious!! I would love to taste that. I also love the lore behind the holiday of Sant Jordi, it’s a wonderful storybook-like tale. Thanks for teaching me something new! 🙂
It is truly something soooo good! I will try and find a picture and add it to the post! And yeah, it is such a magical day =)
Oohhh, El Pa de Sant Jordi sounds delicious! I would love to taste that. I also love the lore behind the holiday of Sant Jordi, it’s such a storybook-like tale. Thanks for teaching me something new! 🙂
Folktales are so endearing, especially when they involve princesses and the princesses who appear from nowhere to save them. Love them. Good to hear this once again and that should be a good reason to visit Sant Jordi.
What a beautiful tale, and with a tradition that you still celebrate to this day. I can only imagine how beautiful everything looks there with all the roses; Barcelona is already a stunning city, even more so on Sant Jordi. El Pa de Sant Jordi sounds delicious too; I’d really like to try some!
First of all, I wish you could have added a photo of that St.Jordi bread that sounds so yummy! What a great tradition! It’s almost like St.Valentin so those this mean you celebrate day of love twice a year? Barcelona must feel very romantic on this day of the year!
How did I not know about this?! I would love to visit Barcelona – one of my favorite cities – during this celebration. That poem in the photo is absolutely beautiful and so moving.
I’ve always thought it’s so unfair that guys get books and we get roses! I mean, I like flowers, but I’m a bookworm and I want a new novel every time I have the chance haha. But really, loved this post, I’ve heard so much about San Jordi, but I haven’t had the chance to visit Barcelona around that time. Going to Casa Batlló during those dates sound like a dream!
This is a really very nice post, glad to know about this day. Thanks for sharing this information.
What a wonderful legend 🙂 We also have Saint George in our religion (Orthodox) and the legend is the same, but we do not have the tradition of receiving and giving roses and books. I like the Spanish way of celebrating more 😛 😛 love the photos 😀
I haven’t heard of this day but it sounds lovely! Books with roses are definitely great and charming. I would love to try the El Pa de Sant Jordi and experience the romantic day of the year.
I’m Catholic, with ‘George’ as my baptismal name, named after Sant Jodi. I knew about the legend and history of St.George, but had no idea about the European traditions on St.George’s day. ‘El Pa de Sant Jordi’ seems to be something for which I should get a hold of the recipe.
This was fascinating to read! St George is the patron Saint of England (where I’m from), so it was so interesting to hear about his day being celebrated in other countries. I think you guys make more of it than we do! haha. What a beautiful celebration with the roses and the books, so romantic!