Sant Jordi - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Sant Jordi, also known as Saint George, is the patron saint of Catalonia and is celebrated on April 23rd every year.
- 2. The tradition of celebrating Sant Jordi dates back to the Middle Ages and is a fusion of two separate traditions - the legend of Saint George and the Catalan tradition of exchanging roses and books.
- 3. On Sant Jordi, it is customary for men to give women a red rose, symbolizing the blood shed by Saint George during his battle with the dragon. Women, in return, give men a book, symbolizing the victory of culture and knowledge over evil.
- 4. Sant Jordi is also known as the Day of the Rose and the Book, as the streets of Catalonia are filled with vendors selling roses and books on this day.
- 5. The celebration of Sant Jordi is a UNESCO-recognized cultural event, as it promotes literacy and the exchange of literature.
- 6. In Barcelona, the streets are filled with bookstalls and flower stands, and authors and illustrators often participate in book signings and readings throughout the city.
- 7. Many famous authors have visited Barcelona on Sant Jordi, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Isabel Allende.
- 8. In addition to roses and books, traditional Catalan pastries such as coca de Sant Jordi (a type of cake) are also enjoyed on this day.
- 9. Schools, libraries, and cultural institutions often organize special events and activities to celebrate Sant Jordi, including book fairs, literary contests, and storytelling sessions.
- 10. Sant Jordi is a day of love, culture, and tradition in Catalonia, and is a time for people to come together to celebrate literature, art, and the spirit of community.