The festival of Sant Jordi in Barcelona is one of the most famous and emblematic, both in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain. On April 23rd the city is a reference in terms of books, roses and cultural activities. For us,
What is the origin of Sant Jordi in Barcelona?
It is important to know the origin of Sant Jordi’s Day before knowing the many activities there are. The idea is that you enjoy this day, but knowing every detail behind its symbols.
Legend has it that a terrible dragon spread fear by devouring animals and people. For this reason, the people always sacrificed 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 to the end to defeat the dragon. In the fight, so much blood was shed that a red rosette was born, which the knight gave to the princess as a gift.
Therefore, giving roses and books on Sant Jordi is an authentic tradition in honor of culture and love.
What to do in Barcelona during Sant Jordi?
The event lasts all day, so there is no fixed schedule for you to enjoy the atmosphere in the streets of the city center. In LOCK & enjoy! we have prepared a series of ideas for you to enjoy a different day in Barcelona.
Book and rose stands
All Barcelona is full of red roses and book stalls, however, the streets in the center of Barcelona are the most bustling (Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via, etc.). However, it is celebrated in all neighborhoods and districts of the city. If you like reading, we recommend that you let yourself get lost in the streets to buy the books you like and take advantage of this festive day with your loved ones.
Think about who you’re going to give a red rose and a book to!
Book signing
Most of the renowned authors and journalists take advantage of Sant Jordi’s day in Barcelona to organize the signing of their latest works. It is a good opportunity for you to meet your favorite writers and, in addition, to have their book signed. If you go with your children, it is also common to see book stalls exclusively for the little ones, and even puppet workshops that tell the famous legend of Sant Jordi and the dragon.
Many renowned authors have confirmed their attendance to the city, such as Alice Kellen, Dolores Redondo or Ángel Martín, among others. We recommend you to visit the websites of La Casa del Libro o La Central to know in detail the book signings organized during this festival.
On the other hand, bookstores also organize activities aimed at promoting reading and culture in general. Public readings of certain books are very frequent, as well as writing workshops.
Sant Jordi Bread
As the festival has grown in popularity, bakeries and pastry shops all over Barcelona have joined in the celebration. To do so, they make Sant Jordi bread with sobrassada and cheese. It stands out for its bright colors, symbolizing the flag of Catalonia.
We recommend Pastelería Coma, L’Obrador dels 15 or Forn Sant Josep. These are renowned pastry shops and bakeries with a long history and, in addition, they have won competitions in previous years for making the best Sant Jordi bread.
Open day
On the feast of Sant Jordi in Barcelona is organized an open day in the city where you can enjoy a number of buildings, but with the particularity that the entrance is free.
First of all, we would like to point out that the Barcelona City Hall opens its doors on the Sunday before the Diada de Sant Jordi, that is, on April 21 from 10:00 to 20:00 hours. As we have already indicated, access is free and free of charge, without prior reservation. You can visit the City Hall, the Gothic Gallery and the Council Hall.
On the other hand, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site also joins this open day. It is a great opportunity for you to know in detail this building listed as a World Heritage Site since 1997. The same day of Sant Jordi is open from 09:30 am to 18:30 pm. During the visit you can also participate in a series of activities to learn more about the figure of the architect who made possible the construction of this building. Admission is free, but with online reservation.
And finally, the Library of Catalonia. This wonderful building opens its doors on April 23rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Once you buy your favorite book, we encourage you to visit the different spaces and, above all, some of the magnificent collections that are kept inside. The visit can be individual, but always with an established 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, because we have Lockers in Barcelona so you can walk around the city without any charges. In addition, if you are on vacation we also advise you to enjoy any of the tourist activities in tourist activities in Barcelona.
