April 23rd holds a special place in the hearts of Catalans as the day of Saint George, celebrated with great gusto in Catalonia. This day is steeped in tradition, with people taking to the streets to honour Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia.

In Barcelona, April 23rd is a delightful fusion of culture and romance, as it coincides with both the International Day of the Book and a local version of Valentine’s Day. On this charming day, couples exchange gifts: men receive books, symbolising the Day of the Book, while women are gifted with roses, a nod to Valentine’s Day.

The tradition of presenting red roses harks back to the legend of Saint George and the dragon. According to the tale, Sant Jordi valiantly defeated a fearsome dragon, rescuing the land and its princess. From the blood of the dragon, a bush of roses sprang forth, adorned with the reddest roses ever seen. Sant Jordi plucked one of these roses and offered it to the princess, forever intertwining the association between red roses and the celebration of April 23rd.

If you happen to find yourself in Barcelona on April 23rd, you’ll be enchanted by the sight of the city bedecked with red roses, buzzing with the joyous spirit of celebration and love. It’s an experience not to be missed!