Every April 23rd, Catalonia transforms into a unique stage where history, legend, and culture intertwine. Sant Jordi's Day is not just a celebration: it's an experience to be lived with all five senses.
From a Roman martyr to a universal symbol
The figure of Saint George has its origins in a 3rd-century Roman soldier, born in Cappadocia (present-day Turkey), who converted to Christianity and was martyred. Over time, his story became filled with symbolism and legends.
During the Crusades in the 12th century, soldiers adopted him as their protector, and his cult spread throughout Europe, making him the patron saint of territories such as Catalonia, England, Aragon, and Portugal.
The legend that captivates us
It was in the 13th century that the story took its definitive form thanks to the Dominican friar Jacopo de Varazze, who collected the legend of the knight, the dragon and the princess.
In Montblanc, according to tradition, a ferocious dragon terrorized the population. To appease its fury, the inhabitants sacrificed people chosen at random… until one day fate chose the princess.
When all seemed lost, a brave knight appeared, confronted the dragon, and defeated it. From the beast's blood sprang a rosebush with red flowers, and Saint George offered one to the princess.
A story of courage, love, and hope that has lasted to this day.
Roses and books: the perfect combination
The tradition of giving roses merged with another passion: literature. The Barcelona Booksellers' Guild decided to move the celebration of Book Day to April 23rd, creating one of the country's most beloved traditions.
Furthermore, this date coincides with the death of great figures of world literature such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Garcilaso de la Vega.
The success of the day was so great that UNESCO declared April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day.
Events
Sant Jordi in Suria
From 10 to 23 April 2024 …Súria is filled with culture and activities to celebrate Sant Jordi! There will be recreational and cultural activities, book stalls and roses in the street and presentations of books. For Sant Jordi, books and roses are usually given…
Presentation of book 'Rigor Mortis' by Tura Soler at Ordis
27 April 2024Don't miss the presentation of the book 'Rigor Mortis' by Tura Soler at the Ordis Social Center, at 7 p.m.! The renowned coroner Narcís Bardalet reflects on life and death based on cases that have marked his career. Dr. Narcís…
Sant Jordi in Torroella de Montgrí
2 April …Torroella de Montgrí celebrates Sant Jordi's Day with an extensive and varied program that lasts throughout the month of April, combining literature, thought, music and activities for all ages. The series begins with the traditional…
Cultural Week in Cubelles
From 7 to 30 AprilCubelles celebrates a new edition of Cultural Week! Cubelles Cultural Week is a highly anticipated event for residents and visitors alike, offering a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities for all tastes and ages. This celebration…
Sant Jordi in Sant Vicenç dels Horts
9 April …Sant Vicenç dels Horts celebrates Sant Jordi with an extensive programme, combining literature, music, performing arts and participatory activities for all ages. The events begin with children's stories, reading clubs, and exhibitions,…
Saint George in Tárrega
9 April …The city of Tàrrega dresses up in literary gala this Sant Jordi! The program kicks off with the opening of an exhibition dedicated to Xavier Garcia, launching a series of activities focused on language, memory, and literary creation.…
Sant Jordi in Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana
11 April …Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana celebrates Sant Jordi with a broad and participatory program, involving entities, educational centers and local businesses in a cultural proposal designed for all audiences. The highlight of the celebration…
Experience Sant Jordi in Collbató!
From 14 to 15 April …The Sant Jordi program in Collbató offers a wide range of cultural activities throughout the month of April, with proposals designed for all ages and with literature as the common thread. The program begins with family activities such…
Literary route of Sant Jordi in Llançà
From 17 to 26 AprilCelebrate Sant Jordi with a literary route in Llançà! From April 17th to 26th, you have the opportunity to stroll through Llançà and discover a literary route through participating businesses. This initiative will…
Sant Jordi in Mataró
From 17 to 18 April …Come and experience the Sant Jordi tradition in Mataró! Sant Jordi is one of the most special days in our country. Popular culture, literature, and roses are its main attractions. We invite you to enjoy the activities planned to fully…
Cultural week of Sant Jordi in Arbúcies
From 18 to 19 April …Arbúcies celebrates Sant Jordi Cultural Week with a varied program that combines literature, music, shows and family activities, turning the municipality into a cultural meeting point for several days. The program begins with literary…
Sant Jordi in Palafrugell
From 18 to 19 April …Palafrugell celebrates Sant Jordi with an extensive and diverse program that runs from April 18 to 26, with activities designed for all audiences and with culture, literature and participation as central themes. The events begin with open days…
Saint George in Aldover
18 April …Aldover celebrates Sant Jordi! The program kicks off with a day of sports and food, featuring a football match and a communal paella, followed by an afternoon and evening dedicated to traditional bullfighting events such as the correbous (bull…
Cultural Week in Creixell
19 April …Creixell celebrates Cultural Week with lots of activities! The program begins on Sunday, April 19, with the Sant Jordi celebration in the Plaza Mayor, featuring a family show, books by local authors, and sardana dancing starting at 11 a.m.…
'Drac' festival at La Torre de Claramunt
19 AprilThe 'Drac' Festival is coming to the Claramunt Tower, a family celebration full of magic, creativity and fun for young and old alike! Throughout the morning, the Torresport grounds will be transformed into a vibrant space with stalls selling…
Saint George's Day in Balaguer
From 21 to 23 AprilLa Paeria de Balaguer organizes a lot of events during the Sant Jordi Cultural Week! During this special week, Balaguer has prepared a wide variety of activities to celebrate Sant Jordi's Day. Among the offerings are book presentations, sardana…
Day of Sant Jordi in Salou
From 22 to 25 AprilOne more year, Salou celebrates the Day of Sant Jordi, on April 23! The capital of the Costa Dorada organizes cultural, recreational and festive events with which they celebrate the Day of Sant Jordi, with the main novelty that the stands for…
Happy Sant Jordi's Day!
23 AprilHappy Sant Jordi's Day! Tradition dictates that men should give their loved ones a beautiful red rose, like the blood that flowed—according to legend—from the evil dragon that Saint George slew. As a symbol of affection, women give…
Sant Jordi in Villalonga del Camp
23 AprilVilalonga del Campo celebrates Sant Jordi's Day! On April 23, the town will host several highlights. At 5 p.m. in the Church Square, the children's show "Muniatto i el conte de Sant Jordi" will take place, an ideal performance for the little…
Sant Jordi in Maçanet de Cabrenys
23 AprilEnjoy Sant Jordi in Maçanet de Cabrenys! Maçanet de Cabrenys celebrates Sant Jordi's Day with a classic event that appeals to all ages: a book and rose stall that invites everyone to enjoy reading and tradition in a festive and…
Sant Jordi in Sentmenat
23 April …Spring brings more than just flowers and colors to Sentmenat; it's packed with cultural activities and vibrant traditions. This year, Sant Jordi is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of the festivity, with a packed program…
Sant Jordi Fair in Santa Cristina d'Aro
23 AprilLive Sant Jordi in Santa Cristina d'Aro! Santa Cristina d'Aro celebrates Sant Jordi's Day with a day full of activities in Plaza Mn. Baldiri Reixac. The Sant Jordi Fair presents a full program that combines literature, popular culture and family…
Sant Jordi in Vallbona de les Monges
23 AprilVallbona de les Monges commemorates Sant Jordi's Day with a cultural program open to everyone, combining literature, participation and tradition. The event will take place on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room and will…
Saint George in Palma d'Ebre
23 AprilLa Palma d'Ebre celebrates Sant Jordi's Day with a day dedicated to books and roses, keeping alive one of the most beloved traditions of the Catalan calendar. On April 23rd, Plaça Catalunya will become the town's meeting point, with…
Saint George in Sant Celoni
23 AprilApril 23rd, the feast day of Sant Jordi, has great symbolism for Catalan culture. In Sant Celoni, like many Catalan towns, they celebrate the festival by filling the Plaça de la Vila with a wide variety of stalls selling books and roses,…
Sant Jordi Festival in Masllorenç
23 AprilMasllorenç celebrates the Sant Jordi Festival once again this year, an event that fills the town with activities and traditions! Throughout the day, the Masllorenç Town Hall will host a book and rose sale, a perfect opportunity…
Sant Jordi Fair in Vilanova del Vallès
23 AprilWe are waiting for you at the Sant Jordi Fair in Vilanova del Vallès! The Sant Jordi Fair is a day full of color, culture, and creativity designed for all ages. During this event, the Ronda del Eixample is filled with stalls selling…
Saint George in Lliçà d'Amunt
From 25 to 26 AprilLliçà d'Amunt is presented as a cultural and festive weekend proposal that combines tradition, citizen participation and activities for all ages. The program begins on Saturday with the opening of the fair, where local businesses…
Saint George in Sidamon
25 AprilSidamon celebrates Sant Jordi's Day! Sant Jordi is one of the most beloved and cherished traditions of the Catalans. And what a beautiful tradition we have in Catalonia! Although tradition dictates that men give a rose to their sweetheart and…
Saint George in Vallfogona de Riucorb
From 25 to 26 AprilCelebrate Sant Jordi in Vallfogona de Riucorb! The event kicks off with a day of mountain sports, featuring activities designed for all ages in a stunning natural setting. Throughout the morning, a variety of sporting activities are offered,…
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