Sant Jordi’s Day: a very special celebration for Barcelona and Catalonia
Welcome to Barcelona, where every April 23 the streets fill with roses, books, and crowds of people! It’s one of the most traditional and iconic celebrations in our beloved city. A unique festivity that, curiously, is a working and school day—meaning many locals enjoy it after finishing work or classes.
It’s a day when giving books and roses to loved ones is a must. It represents our celebration of love—for culture and for the people we care about. On every corner, you’ll find stalls selling roses and books, many of which are run by social organizations that use this day to introduce themselves to the public and raise funds for their causes and social projects.
The legend of Sant Jordi: origin and variations
Since the 13th century, the legend of Sant Jordi has captured imaginations with its tale of bravery and love. According to the most well-known version, a brave knight named Jordi saved a princess by fighting a fierce dragon that was terrorizing the town of Montblanc. After defeating the beast, a rosebush of red roses sprouted from the dragon’s blood—thus giving rise to the tradition of gifting roses that continues to this day.
Sant Jordi: a living legend that evolves with society
Today, there are more than 60 versions of the Sant Jordi legend. Some tell of a female dragon instead of a male one, others highlight friendship over battle, and some even feature the princess saving herself. This diversity reflects the story’s adaptability and richness over the centuries.
Discover the top activities to fully enjoy Sant Jordi
- Attend a book signing: Sant Jordi is well known for book signings with local and international authors. Check the schedule at your favorite bookstores to meet your favorite writers.
? You can find many of them here: Casa del Libro Sant Jordi Signings - Roses and book stalls: Walk through the streets from Hotel Continental Barcelona or Continental Palacete—both located in the city center and surrounded by stalls offering roses and books of all kinds and genres.
- Iconic bookstores: Visit some of Barcelona’s most charming bookstores, where you can explore shelves full of fascinating stories and immerse yourself in the literary world—such as Nollegiu, Finestres, or La Carbonera.
- Open doors at historical and emblematic buildings: Many of Barcelona’s architectural gems open their doors to the public on this day, including:
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau: Open on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mies van der Rohe Pavilion: Open on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Palau Güell: Open on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Ateneu Barcelonès: Open on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All four places are simply spectacular. If you’re short on time, the Ateneu Barcelonès is just 100 meters from Hotel Continental Barcelona and boasts a library that is an architectural, decorative, and literary gem. It also features a garden that seems impossible to find in the heart of Barcelona: lush greenery and even a pond with little orange fish!
Celebrate with us at Hotel Continental Barcelona and Palacete
Our two hotels are located right in the heart of the city. Plaça de Catalunya is right between them, making this the best accommodation choice to enjoy such a special day in Barcelona!
