2025 - April - Barcelona and the St. George's Festival

Until now, April 23rd has primarily been my father's birthday. I hadn't realized that this day is celebrated in a very special way in Catalonia. The St. George's Festival – in Catalan, Diada de Sant Jordi – is mainly a romantic day. A bit like Valentine's Day, but with more books and roses.

We were in Barcelona on April 23, 2025, and even the day before, I wondered why so many people were carrying red roses. Many shop windows were adorned with roses – red, everywhere.

But on the actual St. George's Day, it really went wild. Sales stands offering roses popped up everywhere – it felt like on every corner. At one point, a young man even stood dressed as a dragon selling roses. I only understood why later.

In the city center, along with all the typical tourist stalls, entire streets were filled with book stands. The atmosphere was unique. Gaudí's Casa Batlló was covered in red roses – an absolute eye-catcher. Of course, I wasn't the only one taking a picture there. Hundreds of people were standing around taking photos. The streets were so crowded that the bus could barely get through. What can I say – it was just insane.

For those who are in the same boat as I was: Sant Jordi is the Catalan patron saint, comparable to Saint George. According to legend, he killed a dragon to save a princess – from the dragon's blood, a rose grew. That's where the tradition of giving roses comes from.

There is also the tradition of books: originally, the man would give the woman a rose, and she would give him a book. Today, it's usually a mutual exchange – a beautiful mix of affection and culture.

And I received a little dragon today!