arts & culture

Sant Jordi is Barcelona at its most romantic and literary. Held every April 23rd, the city’s take on St George’s Day brings together books and roses, turning the city into a part open-air book fair, part floral celebration.

What makes the day so special? Extended stretches along some of the city’s most emblematic streets - from La Rambla to Gran de Gràcia - turn into large pedestrianised zones where book and rose stalls line the pavements. There’ll be cultural events such as book signings, literary talks, an open day at City Hall and a community mural in Plaça de Catalunya.

What makes Sant Jordi feel different from almost any other city festival is that it is not something Barcelona simply hosts, but something it collectively performs. For one day, the streets become a giant bookshop and florist rolled into one. Check out the full programme of events online.