Día de Sant Jordi, 23 de Abril (Saint Georges Day)

BCEA students hit the book and rose filled streets of Barcelona to mingle with the crowds and find out just what Sant Jordi means in Catalunya. April 23, is one of the most important holidays in Catalunya: the day of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalunya. Jordi (or George as he´s known to English speakers) is the Roman soldier from the third century who has gone down in history as a successful dragon-slayer and princess-rescuer. As well as being the patron saint of Catalunya, Jordi also protects those afflicted by love. Sant Jordi is celebrated with an exchange of literature and roses. Women give their loved one a book, while men buy their sweetheart ( and often female relatives and colleagues too) a red rose.

Part of the book fever associated with the 23rd is also due to the anniversary of the deaths, in 1616, of Cervantes and Shakespeare, which led UNESCO to declare April 23 World Book and Copyright Day.

As the biggest day of the year for the Catalan editorial industry, 10% of bookshops annual sales are made in and around the 23 rd. Many writers, like Carlos Ruiz Zafón The Shadow of the Wind author are out signing copies and promoting their new books. Around 6 million roses are sold, so we were really glad to see for ourselves this very special day and enjoy the atmosphere.