Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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What do you have planned in your calendars for April 23rd? Nothing special? Well, we might just slip you a good idea!
In Catalonia, and in vibrant Barcelona, on this precise date, it's party time. Tradition dictates that we celebrate the city's patron saint, Sant Jordi, against a backdrop of red roses and endless literary pages.
The promise of a real feast for the eyes and a generous dose of balm for the heart in just 1 day.
What does Sant Jordi consist of?
Sant Jordi (or Saint George in English) is a civic, popular and traditional festival celebrated every year on April 23rd in Barcelona and throughout the Catalonia region. It's an opportunity for thousands of citizens to celebrate their patron saint with joy and good humor even though the date is not a public holiday.
In addition to its religious character, the festival has the particularity (and especially the charm) of bringing together two great universal themes: culture and love. For the simple and good reason that April 23rd has been lovers' day since the 15th century and since 1995, World Book and Copyright Day chosen by UNESCO.
A very interesting marriage that has given rise to a strong custom that is constantly perpetuated. In the Middle Ages, during the first years of Sant Jordi, men had to offer a red rose to their beloved. But since the 1920s, the rule has somewhat evolved. The flower is now free to be a color other than red, or even multicolored. And it is accompanied by a literary work, whatever it may be.
Usually, men received the book and women the rose. But here again, time has done its work and it's not uncommon today to see an exchange without gender distinction. In a couple as in a friendly, family relationship... The goal being to please those we love!
The origins of Sant Jordi
It's impossible for us to talk to you about Sant Jordi without explaining a bit how the story behind all this excitement began.
Apart from the fact that April 23rd is lovers' day and international book day, as mentioned above, it's first and foremost the date on which in the year 303, Saint George of Cappadocia, alias Sant Jordi, died.
Sant Jordi is the patron of Catalonia and Aragon in Spain, but not only. In England, Bulgaria, Greece and Portugal too he occupies an important place. His story is the same everywhere in the world, as is the legend to which he is attached. More than being a saint, the man would be a hero.
According to history, it was he who would have slayed the fierce dragon that forced the inhabitants of the village of Montblanc to sacrifice their livestock and the life of their princess to save their own. From the blood of the fire monster came a rosebush whose flowers were of an exceptional red. Sant Jordi, triumphant, offered one to the beautiful princess.
This story and the ancient medieval custom of the rose fair at the Sant Jordi chapel, at the Generalitat palace, gave life to this unique moment of celebration and tradition organized every April 23rd.
Sant Jordi program in Barcelona
April 23rd, Sant Jordi festival, transforms Barcelona into a gigantic bookstore and an immense flower shop under the open sky. Locals and visitors wander through the streets, from stand to stand, to find the roses and books they will offer to their beloved or to their loved ones.
It's an ideal day to treat yourself, take a walk, but also enjoy the festive atmosphere thanks to the various activities and animations organized for the occasion. The most coveted are book signing sessions by their authors in the street or in bookstores. The great popularity of certain writers causes long queues around the stands.
Still in the literary field, public recitals and writing workshops are offered everywhere for young and old alike.
Being in Barcelona during Sant Jordi is also an opportunity to (re)discover the city's must-see monuments and buildings in a new light. The town hall, Palau Güell, the Sant Pau modernist site, the Ateneu, Casa Batlló or the Palau de la Generalitat, are some of the sites where special activities or open doors with free visits take place.
Finally, for those who really want to take the pulse of the festivities, sardana shows (traditional Catalan dance) are given on Plaça Sant Jaume in the early afternoon. And impressive 'castells' (human towers) are also built here and there.
Sant Jordi highlights in Barcelona
To fully enjoy the charm of this very special day, we decided to share with you the places and addresses where you absolutely must stop in Barcelona. Be careful, as Sant Jordi is one of the most important festivals in Catalonia, it's very likely that you'll have to queue or take some crowd baths along the way. The festivities take place all day and don't really have fixed hours. So, keep a light spirit and you'll see that everything will go smoothly!
- La Rambla and Plaça Reial to do rather in the morning if possible (central core of flower and book stands plus various activities)
- Plaça de Catalunya
- Passeig de Gràcia
- Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia
- Casa Batlló (to see the representation of the Sant Jordi legend fighting the dragon, at the origin of the festival)
The other places of interest to see and concerned by the open doors:
- Palau Güell
- Barcelona City Hall
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
- Ateneu Barcelonés
- National Library of Catalonia
Conclusion
Festival, show, popular tradition, Sant Jordi is a beautiful invitation to seize to come have fun, exchange and enrich yourself humanly and culturally in Barcelona or anywhere else in Catalonia. Make sure to bring your camera, because opportunities to immortalize pure moments of life and pleasure won't be lacking. With as a bonus, lots of love to give or receive!