On April 23, the Catalans celebrate their patron saint Sant Jordi (Saint George) in one of the most colourful celebrations of the year. The Diada de Sant Jordi is not a public holiday, but we work as usual, and, most likely, that is what ensures that cities are full of people going out to buy roses (above all to women) and books (above all to men) to those they love.
It is, in fact, the strength of this Catalan tradition which, in 1995, made UNESCO select this date for its International World Book Day.
In Vilanova i la Geltrú, our local Rambla is the natural heart of the event so that is where not only the book stores and florists, but also political parties, school classes, folk culture associations, football supporters' clubs, animal rights associations, and even a Muslim organization tries to sell you their books and roses.
- - -
Here are my previous posts about la Diada de Sant Jordi, in Vilanova 2007, 2008 and 2009 and in Barcelona 2009.
- - -
1 comment:
Post a Comment