Friday 22 April 2011

Sant Jordi's day Barcelona



”La Diada de Sant Jordi” is Saint Georges day. St George’s day is the most romantic day in Barcelona and Catalunia. There are roses everywhere in the city and it’s hard to see a woman without a rose or a man without a book in his hand. All around the city various exhibitions are held and activities are organized. Las Ramblas, Barcelonas most famous street is full of roses and book stalls. It’s also one of the few days on which Generalitat de Catalunya (Governament Institution of Catalonia) on Placa Sant Jaume opens its doors to the public. The gothic arcitechtural masterpiece is open all day and huge collections of roses are displayed inside.

According to the legend Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia died on the 23 of April year 303. Sant Jordi is said to have saved the princess of Catalonia from being killed by a dragon. The brave Sant Jordi in his shining armour slew the dragon and from the dead dragons blood grew roses. Sant Jordi picked a rose and gave it to the beautiful princess.

The 23 of April is also the anniversary of both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes’ death. The idea for the celebration of World book day originated in Catalunyas celebrations on La Diada de Sant Jordi.