The Sant Jordi festival in L’Estartit is a small but very typical celebration found in the villages of Catalonia. It retains the traditional spirit: books, roses, cultural activities and a lively atmosphere in the streets. 🌹📚
What is the significance of the Sant Jordi festival?
Throughout Catalonia, Sant Jordi is a blend of:
- A day of love (roses are given as gifts)
- A day of books
- A celebration of Catalan culture
The tradition of the roses stems from the medieval legend of Sant Jordi.
Legend has it that a dragon was terrorising the people of Montblanc and demanded to be fed with animals. When there were no more animals left in the village, a villager chosen by lot was sacrificed. Until one day, it was the princess’s turn. On that day, the knight Sant Jordi arrived in the village and fought the dragon to save the princess. Sant Jordi killed the dragon and a rosebush sprang from its blood, and Sant Jordi gave a rose to the princess.
The tradition of giving books was added much later:
- Cervantes and Shakespeare both died on 23 April 1616.
- In the 20th century, it was decided to make that day World Book Day.
23 April is Valentine’s Day in Catalonia, and traditionally men give a rose (symbolising the dragon’s blood) to women, and women give a book to their partner, representing culture and history.
Although these roles are no longer always followed, the fact remains that every 23 April throughout Catalonia, the day of books and roses is celebrated.
What to do for Sant Jordi in L’Estartit?
On 23 April, usually in Plaça de l’Església or the town centre, a small fair is held with stalls selling:
- Roses 🌹
- Books 📚
- Local associations and shops
You’ll also find other activities such as:
- Rose and book bingo
- Reading of Sant Jordi stories at the library
People stroll around, buy a book or a rose, and there’s a very family-friendly atmosphere. Sometimes there are more activities on the weekend closest to 23 April; you can check the calendar for details.
In Catalonia, many people say that Sant Jordi is “the most beautiful day of the year”, because the streets are filled with books, roses and people strolling about.
If you’re looking for a relaxed Sant Jordi experience, in l’Estartit you’ll find a quieter, more local and family-friendly atmosphere, without the crowds of the big cities.
