Sant Jordi's Day in Barcelona
If you are planning to visit Barcelona in the spring, there is one celebration you can't miss: Sant Jordi's Day.
Sant Jordi Day is one of the most loved and anticipated by the inhabitants of the city. It's a magical day when the streets are filled with books and roses, combining romance, literature and regional culture.
Read on to find out more about Sant Jordi in Barcelona, the city's most special tradition.
The legend of Sant Jordi
Sant Jordi is one of the most deeply rooted customs in Catalonia. Although it has no clear origin, it is believed to be partly derived from a famous legend.
The legend tells of a fearsome dragon that terrorised a small village, demanding the life of one of its inhabitants every day. One day, fate befell the princess, but just as she was about to be devoured by the dragon, the Sant Jordi knight appeared. With bravery and courage, Sant Jordi fought the dragon and defeated it, thus saving the princess. From the dragon's spilled blood sprang a red rose that the brave knight gave to the princess as a symbol of his love and courage.
When is Sant Jordi’s Day?
Sant Jordi's Day has been celebrated every April 23 for decades. This is the day on which Saint George was executed for refusing to persecute Christians under the orders of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This act led to his martyrdom and veneration.
Later, in the 15th century, Sant Jordi became the patron saint of Catalonia. Since then, this day has been celebrated in Barcelona with great enthusiasm.