Sant Jordi’s day

As every April 23rd, one of the most beloved and awaited festivities in Catalonia is celebrated: Sant Jordi’s day. This celebration combines literature, love and tradition, filling the streets with colour and life thanks to the small stalls of books and roses, the two symbols of this great day.

On this festive day, friends, family and lovers come together to celebrate this Catalan tradition that takes place in the spring, and which has existed for many centuries, as Sant Jordi became the patron saint of Catalonia in 1456.

Legend has it that in the town of Montblanc there was a dragon that every day asked for the sacrifice of a randomly chosen inhabitant of the place. Until one day, it was the turn of the king’s daughter, the princess. At that precise moment, a brave knight appeared: Sant Jordi. He defeated the dragon, and from the blood spilled, a large red rose appeared, which Sant Jordi took and offered to the princess, giving her a symbol of triumph and love for her.

This day is present all over Catalonia, and different activities related to the festivity take place, such as poetry recitals, traditional dances like the sardana, concerts and even children’s workshops for the little ones. Charities, companies and institutions also take to the streets to hand out gifts and kind words at the book and rose stalls.

If you travel to Barcelona, you’ll see that the city centre is filled with stalls, people and colours, such as Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló, which on Sant Jordi’s Day fills all its balconies with large red roses. If you look at its rooftop you can see the dragon from the legend depicted on the façade with the tiles simulating a texture of scales. You can also see the balcony of the princess, being the only different balcony, as this building is full of references to the legend of Sant Jordi.

If you want to feel what it’s like to experience Sant Jordi in Barcelona, the Aerobús is your transport option from Barcelona Airport to the city centre. Immerse yourself in a 35-minute journey with maximum comfort on board: USB ports, free Wi-Fi and up-to-date content at all times.