Every April 23rd, Barcelona transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture and romance during La Diada de Sant Jordi—Catalonia’s most beloved festival. In Catalonia, April 23rd is celebrated as Saint George Day—a unique fusion of legend, love, and literature. Inspired by the tale of Saint Jordi, who slew a dragon to save a princess and gifted her a rose from the beast’s blood, the day has become a beloved cultural tradition in Barcelona and across the region.

On this day, the city’s streets bloom with roses and fill with books, as couples and friends exchange gifts: a rose for love, and a book for knowledge. it’s also a celebration of literary culture, coinciding with World Book Day.

The spirit of Sant Jordi lives on in Barcelona’s architecture, festivals, and identity—symbolizing courage, creativity, and the enduring power of stories.

The heart of the celebration is the open-air book fair that takes over the city’s streets, especially along Passeig de Gràcia, La Rambla, and around Plaça de Catalunya. Dozens of publishers, authors, and booksellers set up stalls, offering everything from bestsellers to poetry, children’s books, and rare finds. Many authors appear in person to sign books, making it a special day for readers and writers alike.

At the same time, florists line the streets with colorful roses—often red, but also yellow, blue, and multicolored—each one a tribute to the dragon-slaying hero. Couples, friends, and families exchange gifts: a rose for love, a book for wisdom.

Sant Jordi is more than a holiday—it’s a living expression of Catalan identity, blending legend, literature, and civic pride in a way that’s uniquely Barcelona.