The Sant Jordi festival in Barcelona is one of the most renowned and emblematic in Catalonia and across Spain. On April 23, the city becomes a focal point for books, roses, and cultural activities. For us at LOCK & enjoy!, it is a true celebration for those who love literature and romance. Keep reading to find out what to see, what to do, and where to buy books and roses!
What is the Origin of Sant Jordi in Barcelona?
It’s important to understand the origin of Sant Jordi Day before diving into the numerous activities available. It’s about enjoying this day, but knowing every detail behind its symbols.
Legend has it that a fearsome dragon was devastating the kingdom by devouring animals and people. Therefore, the villagers would always sacrifice someone. However, one day a princess was chosen, but just as she was about to be devoured, a knight named Sant Jordi appeared and fought until the end to defeat the dragon. So much blood was spilled during the battle that a red rose bush sprouted from the ground, which the knight presented to the princess as a gift.
That’s why giving roses and books on Sant Jordi is a true tradition in honour of culture and love.
What to Do in Barcelona during Sant Jordi?
The event lasts all day, so there is no fixed schedule for enjoying the atmosphere in the streets of the city centre. At LOCK & enjoy! we have prepared a series of ideas for you to enjoy a different day in Barcelona.
Book and Rose Stalls
Barcelona is filled with stalls selling red roses and books, especially in the bustling streets of the city centre (Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Vía, etc.). However, it is celebrated in all neighbourhoods and districts of the city. If you like reading, we recommend wandering through the streets to buy your favourite books and enjoy this festive day with your loved ones.
Think about who you will gift a red rose and a book to!
Book Signings
Many well-known authors and journalists take advantage of Sant Jordi Day in Barcelona to organize signings of their latest works. It’s a great opportunity to meet your favourite writers and even have them sign a book for you. If you are with your children, it is also common to see book stalls dedicated to the little ones, and even puppet workshops that recount the famous legend of Sant Jordi and the dragon.
Many renowned authors such as Alice Kellen, Dolores Redondo, and Ángel Martín, among others, have confirmed their attendance. We recommend visiting the websites of La Casa del Libro or La Central to find out in detail about the book signings they organize during this festival.
In addition, bookstores also organize activities aimed at promoting reading and culture in general. Public reading events and writing workshops are very common.
Sant Jordi Bread
As the festival has grown in popularity, bakeries and pastry shops throughout Barcelona have joined the celebration by making Sant Jordi bread with sobrasada and cheese. It is notable for its striking colours, which symbolize the flag of Catalonia.
We recommend Pastelería Coma, L’Obrador dels 15, or Forn Sant Josep. These are renowned bakeries and pastry shops with a long history and have won contests in previous years for making the best Sant Jordi bread.
Open Day
During the Sant Jordi festival in Barcelona, an open day is organized in the city where you can enjoy a series of buildings, but with the particularity that entry is free.
Firstly, we would like to highlight that the Barcelona City Hall opens its doors the Sunday before Sant Jordi Day, that is, April 21, from 10:00 to 20:00 hours. As we have already indicated, access is free and without prior reservation. You can visit the City Hall, the Gothic Gallery, and the Council Chamber.
Moreover, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site also joins this open day. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know this building listed as a World Heritage Site since 1997 in detail. On Sant Jordi Day itself, it is open from 09:30 to 18:30. During the visit, you can also participate in a series of activities to learn more about the architect who made the construction of this building possible. Entry is free, but online booking is required.
And lastly, the Library of Catalonia. This wonderful building opens its doors on April 23 from 10:00 to 18:00. Once you have bought your favourite book, we encourage you to visit the different spaces and, above all, some of the magnificent collections it houses inside. The visit can be individual, but always with a set itinerary, although it can also be done with a guide who explains the history of this place.
Ready to enjoy Sant Jordi? Don’t worry about the purchases you make, as we have lockers in Barcelona so you can stroll through the city unburdened. Also, if you’re on holiday, we also advise you to enjoy any of the tourist activities in Barcelona.
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