Celebrate Spain’s day of books – St Jordi
St Jordi – the love of books!
There’s a very special day in the Spanish literary calendar. A day where you give someone a book! It used to be the case that it was a day of both romance and books so a man would give a woman a rose, and a woman would give a man a book. Quite honestly, I think, as many obviously did, that women weren’t getting the good end of the deal. So, now anyone can give anyone a book or/and a rose.
23rd April is a key date in Spanish literary calendars but also around the world – St George’s Day, World Book Day and Shakespeare’s birthday!
Honestly, you HAVE to go to Barcelona one year on St Jordi – the city comes alive in a way I have never experienced before. There are streets and streets of stalls with books being sold, authors signing and food being eaten. There is such a buzz about the city, it felt so magical.
One of the most special places in Barcelona on this day is Casa Batlló, where Gaudí’s architecture depicts the legend of Sant Jordi and the dragon – both closely related to the festival.
Marta Renato
Publishers have special events like this one. Having just read this author, I would be very excited to see her in real life!
Locations in Sendero de Estrellas
Meet Marta Renato here in the Pyrenees
What do to if you can’t get to Spain to celebrate?
Read books set in Spain
Enjoy a Spanish author in Spanish
Tuck into a translated novel by a Spanish author
Indulge in a novel translated INTO Spanish!
Eat something Spanish
Buy yourself a book and a rose
Drink Spanish wine
Whatever and wherever you are reading on April 23rd – Happy St Jordi!
