Sant Jordi is a Catalan holiday that takes place on April 23rd every year. It is a celebration of love and literature, and it is one of the most important days on the Catalan calendar. Sant Jordi is also known as the Day of the Rose and the Book, and it is celebrated throughout Catalonia with various festivities, including in the city of Girona.
The Legend of Sant Jordi
Sant Jordi, or Saint George in English, is a mythical figure who is associated with the legend of the dragon. According to the legend, a ferocious dragon terrorized a small town in Catalonia, and the townspeople were afraid for their lives. In order to appease the dragon, the townspeople would offer it a sheep or a cow every day. However, when the town ran out of livestock, they were forced to offer a human sacrifice. The king of the town decided to offer his daughter as a sacrifice, but just as the dragon was about to eat her, Sant Jordi appeared and killed the dragon with his sword. From the blood of the dragon, a rose bush grew, and Sant Jordi plucked a rose and gave it to the princess as a symbol of his love.
Celebrating Sant Jordi in Girona
In Girona, Sant Jordi is a day of celebration and festivity. The city is adorned with roses and book stands, and people from all over Catalonia come to Girona to celebrate. One of the most popular traditions on Sant Jordi is the giving of roses and books. Couples exchange roses and books as a symbol of their love, and friends and family members exchange roses and books as a symbol of friendship and appreciation.
The streets of Girona are lined with book stalls, and there are a variety of literary events that take place throughout the day. Many authors come to Girona to sign books and give readings, and there are also literary workshops and competitions for children.
In addition to the literary events, there are also musical performances, dancing, and other cultural activities that take place throughout the city. The atmosphere in Girona on Sant Jordi is festive and joyful, and it is a day that is celebrated by people of all ages.
Sant Jordi is a special day in Catalonia, and it is a celebration of love, literature, and culture. In Girona, Sant Jordi is a day of festivity and celebration, with roses, books, and cultural events taking center stage. It is a day that is loved by the people of Catalonia, and it is a great time to visit Girona and experience the joy and excitement of Sant Jordi.
