St Jordi

Legend says that long ago in Montblanc, a dragon capable of poisoning the air and killing with its breath was scaring the people of the city. People decided to calm him down by feeding him people. They’d choose one person per day by lottery. After several days, it was the princess’ turn. When the princess was heading towards the dragon, a knight called Sant Jordi, with shining armor and a white horse, came to her rescue. Sant Jordi raised his sword and pierced the dragon, freeing the princess and people from the city. From the dragon’s blood sprouted a rosebush with the reddest roses ever seen. Sant Jordi took a rose and offered it to the princess. 

As the story goes, the tradition continues that on the day of Catalunya’s patron saint, the men give their loved ones red roses. Since April 23, 1995 is International Book Day, the tradition extended that the women gave their men books in return. Similar to Valentine’s or Galentine’s day, friends also give their friends red roses to celebrate the love of friendship.

On April 23, as you walk around Girona, there are stands in the streets selling single red roses, and markets of bookstands selling books. The roses are often wrapped in the colors of the Catalunya region, or drawings of the dragon and his princess. The city is decorated with flowers for springtime, and everywhere you look, women and men are carrying individually wrapped red roses to take to their loved ones. 

It’s a beautiful sight, seeing everyone take the time to remember the ones they love most. 

Special thanks to my resident Catalan expert, Judit. To read more about the Sant Jordi traditions, click here!