Arcadia Spain

“Sant Jordi’s Day” - (Saint George’s Day) - 23rd April

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 23rd of April in Catalonia. Why? Because for Catalans this date is an important day of the year, it is Sant Jordi’s day! It is the patron of Catalonia and also from England. This is an old and beautiful tradition. It started many centuries ago. Some people say chivalry words and the courtesy love may have been the beginning of this legend.

It's when lovers give a present to each other, a rose or a book depending on if you are a female or a male, and it is a symbol/tradition from Saint George’s Day.

For Catalans, it's a great day; it's almost the most important day of the year. We really enjoy Saint George Day. There is a party on the streets, full of people walking and looking at the beautiful stands with flowers, seeing all the little shops with their books. Many writers show their works on the street for the public, you can see journalists everywhere. Some politicians also take the opportunity to do advertising for their party, but in general, you can breathe harmony on the air.

It is usually a sunny day because it takes place in the spring season, and everybody is on the street walking and enjoying their day.

You can see flowers and books all around the cities, towns, little villages and a lot of Catalonia flags as well, as a symbol of identity because this day has become an important day. A day full of culture and love, books and roses.