April 23 is one of the most expected days of the year in Catalonia. On the occasion of the celebration of Saint George, books and flowers embellish the streets. Men and women choose their gift to surprise their couple, family or friends. It is a cultural and literary event in which readers discover new authors, consult an extensive catalog of works from various literary genres and find the latest publishing news. It is a celebration that also has an important emotional value. In fact, books and flowers become the ideal gift to make a loved one feel special.
Families participate in the Sant Jordi tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. Some of the most representative streets of Puigcerdà take on a new landscape with the stalls that booksellers and flower shops set up in the open air. It is one of the most commercial dates for the publishing sector and for flower shops since their sales increase significantly compared to other periods of the year.
Neighbors and visitors also enjoy other activities scheduled around this spring date. The Jocs Florals de Cerdanya are a benchmark for lovers of literature. The event takes place in the municipality of Alp, but the participants are from all over the region. Alp is a town located between the mountains and nature: its landscape is a true inspiration for writers. The Cerdanya Floral Games have a long history. Prose and poetry make up the categories of a contest in which authors present works written in Catalan language. The works of the participants must be completely unpublished and original (and meet all the requirements set out in the bases of the contest). The awards ceremony is a very special event.
It is a cultural event that feeds motivation, creativity, imagination and interest in writing and reading in young people. It was in the 1980s when this initiative gained strong momentum in the area and has established itself as one of the most expected of the year. Who were the promoters of the literary contest in its origin? An association of parents of an educational center. The pandemic was also a turning point in this literary tradition, but inspiration has remained present in times of uncertainty. And the countdown to this year’s edition has already begun.
Sant Jordi is the patron saint of Catalonia. Well, it should be noted that on April 23 his date of death is remembered. He passed away in the year 303. His name is directly linked to the legend according to which he fought a hard battle with a dangerous dragon. And from that act of bravery, he saved the life of a princess who was about to be devoured. From the blood spilled after the death of the dragon, a beautiful rose bush was formed. And that's when the knight handed a pretty rose to the princess. A gesture of romanticism that is very present every year with the arrival of April 23. For this reason, it is such a special date for lovers in Catalonia. The rose, which is a metaphor for the dragon legend, is a symbol of true love. For all these reasons, culture and feelings form the perfect combination for the celebration of Saint George.
On the other hand, there is another curiosity that should be remembered. The day of Saint George's death coincides with the moment in which other illustrious names of universal literature died (but in another year). April 23 also marks the date of William Shakespeare's death. Miguel de Cervantes was buried on that day in 1616. For all these reasons, the World Book Day is also celebrated.
Therefore, on Sant Jordi traditionally men give a red rose to their couple and friends. Women, for their part, select a book for their couple and friends. In short, it is the ideal occasion to give flowers and literary works to both men and women.
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