Every year on April 23, the streets of Cataluña are packed with books and roses in honour of Sant Jordi, or Saint George. It’s one of the region’s most loved traditions, it’s a day that brings together books, romance, and a nod to old-school legends.

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What is Sant Jordi?

Sant Jordi is Cataluña’s version of Valentine’s Day with a literary twist. Instead of chocolates or cards, people traditionally exchange books and roses. Traditionally, men give roses, women give books, but these days, everyone gives and receives both. It’s a day for celebrating love and literature.

St George’s Day in England

If you’re from England, this date might already sound familiar. April 23 is also St George’s Day in England, marking the feast day of the country’s patron saint. It’s celebrated in England as well, but in Cataluña, Sant Jordi’s Day has grown into one of the biggest and most loved events of the year. Here, Saint George (Sant Jordi in Catalan) is the dragon-slaying hero of legend, and a symbol of love, courage, and books.

Where is San Jordi Celebrated?

While it’s best known in Barcelona and across Cataluña, Sant Jordi is also marked in parts of the Balearic Islands and Valencia. However, Cataluña is where the celebration really comes to life, with bookstalls lining the streets and rose sellers on every corner.

How is Sant Jordi Celebrated?

Shops and stands pop up in every square, especially along Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla. Authors sign books, people buy gifts, and there’s a festive feel around the city. Many bookstores run special promotions, and there’s live music and performances in some areas.

Feliç Sant Jordi🌹#SantJordi2025 pic.twitter.com/3duBHJRHzf

— Marc Vidiella (@marcvidiella_) April 23, 2025

A Bit of History

The tradition dates back to the 15th century, when rose stalls appeared near churches on Saint George’s Day. The idea of giving books came later, officially added in 1929, to promote reading.

April 23 also became a symbolic date in the literary world because it marks the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Although their death dates are often written as the same day, it’s a bit of historical trivia: Cervantes died on April 22 under the Gregorian calendar (used in Spain), and Shakespeare died on April 23 under the Julian calendar (still used in England at the time). In real time, Cervantes died about 10 days earlier, but the shared date stuck inspring World Book Day.

The original idea for Book Day was dreamed up in 1922 by Vicente Clavel, director of the Cervantes publishing house in Barcelona. He wanted to honour Miguel de Cervantes, one of Spain’s most famous authors, and boost interest in reading. The first celebration took place on 7 October 1926, which was believed to be Cervantes’ birthday. A few years later, the date was moved to April 23, the day believed to be his death, and it stuck.

In Cataluña, April 23 already had cultural weight, it’s Saint George’s Day (Catalan: Diada de Sant Jordi), honouring the region’s patron saint. So the two ideas merged beautifully: the Day of the Book and the Day of the Rose became one.

Interestingly, April 23 is also believed (but not confirmed) to be Shakespeare’s birthday, adding even more literary weight to Sant Jordi and World Book Day.

Bona Diada de Sant Jordi a tothom 🌹

Visca Catalunya 💛💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/nlXdlbzwxn

— Araujismo (@Araujismooo) April 22, 2025

Family Activities and Community Events

Many schools take part in storytelling sessions, book swaps, and arts and crafts for kids. Local councils often organise poetry readings, theatre, and open-air activities for families. It’s a great day to get involved in the community and enjoy being out and about.

Mourning Period May Affect Some Events

This year, due to three days of official mourning in Spain for the death of the Pope, some Sant Jordi events may be cancelled or rescheduled. It’s best to check with local organisers or town halls before heading out, especially for larger public events and performances.

Have You Ever Been to Barcelona for Sant Jordi?

Sant Jordi is a lovely mix of books, roses, and local traditions. The streets of Barcelona fill with people, market stalls, and music, it’s one of those days that really shows off the heart of Catalan culture. It’s fun, colourful, and a great way to discover something new if you’ve just moved to Spain or are thinking about it.

Have you been to Sant Jordi before? Or is it something you’d like to see one day?

We’d love to hear your thoughts, or tell us what book you’d give as a gift, and who you’d give a rose to!

Un any més ens vestim de roses per celebrar la Diada de Sant Jordi, un gest que s’ha convertit en un símbol icònic de la ciutat de Barcelona, en aquest dia tan especial. Aquest any, us convidem a viure aquest moment únic els dies 21, 22 i 23 d’abril🌹.https://t.co/NOE3VZJt2H pic.twitter.com/X0V8mhM1AA

— Casa Batlló | Gaudí Barcelona (@CasaBatlloGaudi) April 21, 2025

Main image: Shutterstock/Kapustin Igor