Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Christian Heide
Catalonia, a region rich in culture, history, and unique traditions, celebrates one of its most beloved festivals every year on April 23rd—La Diada de Sant Jordi, or Saint George’s Day. This day, known for its vibrant atmosphere, streets filled with books and roses, and romantic spirit, is deeply rooted in the Catalan identity. The tradition combines the legend of Saint George (Sant Jordi in Catalan) with Catalonia’s passion for literature and love, making it one of the most emblematic days in the regional calendar.
The Legend of Saint George
The legend of Saint George dates back to the Middle Ages and has been told and retold across Europe in various forms. In Catalonia, the story is closely tied to the values of bravery, honor and love.
According to the legend, a ferocious dragon was terrorizing the town of Montblanc, located in southern Catalonia. The beast demanded regular sacrifices, and the townspeople were forced to draw lots to determine who would be given to the dragon. One day, the lot fell on the king’s daughter. Despite the king’s pleas, she was sent to face the dragon. Just as the dragon was about to devour her, a brave knight named Saint George appeared. Riding a white horse, he fought the dragon and slayed it with his lance. From the dragon’s blood, a rose bush sprouted, and Saint George plucked one of the red roses and gave it to the princess.
This gesture of love and heroism became symbolic, and over time, the legend evolved into a tradition. Today, the act of giving a rose on Saint George’s Day has become a deeply rooted custom in Catalonia, especially between lovers and close friends.
Photo: Wikipedia (Casa de les Punxes)
La Diada de Sant Jordi: Books and Roses
Unlike other countries where Saint George is primarily honored as a religious or historical figure, in Catalonia, his day has become a celebration of love, culture, and national pride. Since 1926, April 23rd has also been recognized as World Book Day, coinciding with the death anniversaries of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, two giants of world literature. This alignment gave the Catalan tradition a literary dimension, and the day became known for the exchange of books and roses: traditionally, men give women roses, and women give men books—although today, the tradition is much more flexible and reciprocal.
On this day, the streets of Barcelona and towns across Catalonia are filled with bookstalls, flower vendors, live music, and literary events. Authors often sign copies of their works, and bookstores set up outdoor displays. It is a day when literature becomes the pulse of the city, and love is expressed through simple, meaningful gestures.
Saint George in Barcelona: Important Sites
The influence of Saint George is not only present in Catalonia’s traditions, but also in its architecture, art, and public spaces. In Barcelona, Saint George is a highly visible figure, especially in the works of Modernist architects like Antoni Gaudí and Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who used the legend to express Catalan identity and pride during the Renaixença, the 19th-century Catalan cultural renaissance.
1. Palau de la Generalitat
One of the most important political buildings in Barcelona, the Palau de la Generalitat is home to the Catalan government and is located in the Gothic Quarter. Its façade features a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon, sculpted in the 15th century by Pere Johan. Inside the courtyard, known as the Pati dels Tarongers (Courtyard of the Orange Trees), a beautiful fountain with a sculpture of Saint George stands as a tribute to the patron saint. On April 23rd, the palace opens to the public, and thousands visit to see the interior and the symbolic artwork.
Photo: Wikipedia
2. Casa Batlló
Perhaps one of the most famous and fantastical tributes to the legend of Saint George is Casa Batlló, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Located on Passeig de Gràcia, this Modernist masterpiece is an allegorical interpretation of the legend. The roof resembles the back of a dragon, with ceramic tiles that mimic scales. The cross and turret at the top symbolize Saint George’s sword, plunged into the beast’s back. The balconies and windows evoke skulls and bones, representing the dragon’s victims. Gaudí’s abstract yet vivid design invites visitors to explore the legend through artistic imagination.
2. Many more sites in Barcelona
All over Barcelona you will encounter Saint George slaying the dragon – as wall reliefs, inside of Modernista buildings as decorative elements (like in Torre Bellesguard) or even as an entrance gate to a grand estate.
Sant Jordi and Catalan Identity
In Catalonia, Saint George is more than a legendary figure—he is a symbol of Catalan values such as courage, love, culture, and the power of peaceful resistance. His image was adopted during the Catalan Renaixença and during times of political repression as a subtle symbol of national pride and cultural resilience.
La Diada de Sant Jordi is often compared to Valentine’s Day, but it is more than just a romantic celebration. It’s a fusion of culture and affection, unique in its focus on books and roses rather than commercial gifts. The day exemplifies how folklore, art, and civic identity can blend to form a cherished modern tradition.
Conclusion
The tradition of Saint George in Catalonia, particularly in Barcelona, is a remarkable example of how a medieval legend has been adapted into a vibrant, contemporary cultural celebration. Through the exchange of roses and books, Catalans honor love, literature, and their enduring cultural heritage. In Barcelona, this spirit is captured not only in street festivities each April but also in the city’s architecture, where Saint George’s legend is carved into stone and fired into ceramic.
From the sword-wielding hero of Montblanc to the dragon-scaled rooftops of Gaudí’s buildings, Saint George remains a powerful symbol of hope, beauty, and Catalan identity.
Things to do in Barcelona
If you would like to learn more about Saint George, then join our walking tour “Gaudí and Barcelona Legends“. During two hours you will get to know many details and afterwards you will see Barcelona with different eyes.