arts & culture

Barcelona comes alive for La Dia de Sant Jordi 2025, a beloved festival where books and roses take centre stage. Inspired by the legend of Saint George and the dragon, the day has grown into a joyful celebration of literature and love. To honour this day, custom dictates that men give women roses, and women give men books - an estimated 6 million roses are sold on the day, alongside 400 thousand books.

Streets across the city, especially around Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla, become open-air markets filled with flower stalls, book stands and author signings. Some of the city’s main cultural landmarks such as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau and Palau Güell will offer free entry, and the festivities also include the Barcelona-Sant Jordi International Film Festival, with screenings themed around literature and history. Adding to the excitement, there’ll also be live radio broadcasts and public readings. Don't miss one of Barcelona’s most special days.