Feliz 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 each year.
- 2. Sant Jordi is a day filled with celebrations in Catalonia, with people exchanging books and roses as gifts.
- 3. The tradition of giving books on Sant Jordi's day dates back to 1923 when a bookseller started the tradition to honor Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who all died on April 23rd.
- 4. The tradition of giving roses on Sant Jordi's day dates back to the legend of Sant Jordi slaying the dragon to save the princess, who is said to have emerged from the blood of the dragon as a rose.
- 5. On Sant Jordi's day, the streets of Catalonia are filled with book stalls, flower vendors, and people enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- 6. It is customary for men to give women a rose on Sant Jordi's day, while women give men a book in return.
- 7. Many authors participate in book signings and readings throughout Catalonia on Sant Jordi's day, making it a popular event for book lovers.
- 8. The day is also a public holiday in Catalonia, with many schools and businesses closed to allow people to celebrate.
- 9. The tradition of giving books and roses on Sant Jordi's day has spread beyond Catalonia and is now celebrated in other parts of Spain and around the world.
- 10. Sant Jordi's day is a unique and special celebration that combines literature, romance, and tradition in a festive and colorful way.