Posts Tagged ‘roses’

Sant Jordi’s Day, St George in Barcelona

April 23rd, 2008 by admin

Today, the 23th of April is Sant Jordi and traditionally in Catalonia the day of Sant Jordi is the day of the lovers, and it is traditional that the couples give themselves a rose and a book. Usually, the boy gives a rose to his girlfriend and the girl gives him a book. But it’s not a matter of only lovers. Familiars or work colleagues can exchange roses between them. The day has a reivindication look of the Catalan culture and many balconies are adorned with the Catalan flag , called “la senyera”.

Book and roses stores are all around Barcelona and Catalonia, but it is in La Rambla where the event arrives at its maximum expression. All this street get’s filled up with occasional stands. It is traditional to promote the sale of books with signatures of the authors and making a discount in the selling price due to the Sant Jordi day. The bookshops nearby to Catalunya Square are crowded of people walking around. As for the roses they transform into a business from that everybody takes advantage. There are stores with political claims, to help humanitarian organizations, to collect funds for schools or simply to achieve some extra money. The media does live coverages from the most emblematic points. But, above all it is necessary to highlight the festive environment that generates the day. Activities in the libraries and concerts in the streets are carried out to the busy cultural agenda of the city.


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