Sant Jordi: Celebrating love, culture and tradition in Catalonia
Every 23rd of April, Catalonia dons its finery to celebrate Sant Jordi, a festivity combining love, culture and tradition in a delightfully unique manner. The celebration, also known as the Day of Books and Roses, is one of the region’s most beloved and deeply rooted, attracting locals and visitors alike to plunge into its magical enchantment.
Origin of the feast of Sant Jordi:
The feast of Sant Jordi dates back to the 15th century, when Sant Jordi, or St George, was proclaimed the official saint’s day of Catalonia, on 23 April 1434. The date also marks the death of two major figures: St George, patron saint of Catalonia, and Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author of “Don Quijote”. The fact that the two anniversaries coincide has further enriched the celebration, turning it into an occasion to honour both books and roses.
The tradition of roses and books:
One of the most distinctive traditions marking Sant Jordi is that couples and loved ones exchange roses and books. The custom is said to date back to the 18th century, when books were first sold on the streets of Barcelona on St George’s Day, as a way of commemorating Cervantes. Over time, the tradition merged with the legend of St George and the Dragon, in which the valiant knight saved the princess and gave her a rose as a symbol of love and gratitude.
Today, the streets of Barcelona fill with stalls selling books and roses, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Bookshops and florists prepare their finest selections to tempt passers-by in search of the perfect gift. The books cover a wide range of genres and subjects, from literary classics to the latest publications, while roses fill the air with their bewitching scent in a variety of colours and forms.
The role of the Hotel Alma Barcelona at Sant Jordi:
The Hotel Alma Barcelona offers comfortable, luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city, making it a privileged meeting point during the Sant Jordi celebrations. Strategically located on Paseo de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most storied boulevards, and close to such architectural gems as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, this 5-star hotel becomes the epicentre of the festivity.
With its unrivalled location, the Hotel Alma Barcelona offers its guests the opportunity to plunge right into the festive atmosphere of Sant Jordi. On this supremely special day, the streets around the hotel teem with locals and tourists strolling between the colourful book and rose stalls, making up a truly unmissable scene.
Hotel guests not only enjoy the luxury and convenience that the establishment offers, but also have the chance to join in the celebrations, exploring Barcelona’s rich culture and traditions. The city’s main attractions are easily accessible from the hotel itself, as are the special events and activities organised to mark Sant Jordi.
