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April 2023 Spain Catalonia St. George's Day (Sant Jordi)

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The Catalonia autonomous community has always been a very special region in Spain, not only maintaining its own Catalan language but also hosting many exclusive cultural events. Saint George's Day is one such important holiday in Catalonia, with grand celebrations held annually on April 23rd.



 According to Catalan legends, Saint George is the hero who rescued a princess and the entire village of Montblanc from an evil dragon. He plucked a rose formed from the dragon's blood and gave it to the princess. In return, the princess gave Saint George a book symbolizing knowledge and power. This exchange of the rose and book has since become an important tradition and symbol of the festival. Saint George's Day is like Catalonia's version of Valentine's Day, and this romantic medieval story has become the origin of Catalonia's Valentine's Day. On this day, boys will give girls a rose, while girls will give boys a book in return. The streets and markets of Catalonia are filled with rose vendors and bookstalls. Roses can be seen everywhere, decorating roads and buildings, giving the entire city a romantic atmosphere.


 In addition to the events on Saint George's Day, the town of Montblanc in Catalonia also holds a week-long medieval festival called Semana Medieval de Montblanc to commemorate Saint George for slaying the dragon. During the festival, many people dress up as kings, queens, soldiers, and other medieval characters, parading through the streets. Squares and towers are adorned with flags and knights' insignia as well.