LA DIADA DE SANT JORDI, our Catalan Valentine’s

[Laofdez]

Yesterday, 23rd April, was the Diada de Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia. A celebration of literature and love, where books, roses and lovers become the protagonists.

Caption: A red rose close-up.

According to the archaic and popular tradition, women were given a rose and men a book. Fortunately, this is no longer like this nowadays and anybody can get a rose or a book no matter the gender. On my case, I am a woman and got both, cause certain traditions are meant to be adapted to the times we live, but… what is the origin of this popular tradition?

It is said the tradition to give women a rose on this day started back in the 15th century, to pay homage to Saint George, who died on 23rd April 303 AD. According to a popular legend, this saint would have killed a dragon to save a princess and out of the dragon’s blood, a red rose sprouted. Hence, the rose.

Caption: A flower pot filled with tiny red rose brooches made of clay and decorated with the Catalan flag.

Caption: A street stall displaying a collection of dragons made of clay.

For books, the tradition started around 1930s, when 23rd April was declared as the Fiesta del Libro Español by king Alfonso VII. Surprisingly, a lustrum after this, UNESCO started to celebrate World Book Day on the same date, so… what is it special about 23rd April?

This date was originally chosen by Spanish men of letters because it was the day Miguel de Cervantes died back in 1616. In case you don’t know, he is the author of Don Quijote de la Mancha, the most relevant work of art in Spanish literature. Surprisingly, William Shakespeare also died the same day of the same year!! Can you believe it? You better don’t, cause dates don’t really work according to experts. Still, UNESCO accepted this date cause it also coincides with the death of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, príncipe de los escritores del nuevo mundo, the first author born in the Americas to enter the western canon.

Caption: A group of people at a book signing event in the street.

Caption: A notice displaying a date next to a book made of chocolate in a bakery window.

On the Diada de Sant Jordi, people flood the streets and squares to visit the countless stalls selling roses and books. There also booths set up for the occasion where recognizable and prominent authors sign copies of their most memorable or most recent books.

I highly recommend you to include a visit to Barcelona on 23rd April in your bucket list. You won’t regret it!

#letsguide