La diada or Sant Jordi’s Day is one of the most beloved Catalan traditions. Every year, on April 23rd, the streets of Catalonia fill with life to celebrate love and literature.
The legend behind
Sant Jordi’s Day tells the story of a knight who saved a princess from a dragon. According to legend, the knight fought the dragon and pierced its heart with his sword, saving the princess from certain death. From the dragon’s blood grew a red rose that the knight gave to the princess as a symbol of his love.
Image credits: https://miniguide.co/
Today
Sant Jordi’s Day has become a celebration of both literature and love. People exchange gifts of books and roses, and authors sign their books in the street. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when booksellers in Barcelona decided to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, two of the most famous writers in history. On Sant Jordi’s Day, people enjoy the festive streets of Barcelona with vendors selling roses and books. It is a day to read, discover new authors and celebrate the written word regardless of age. For visitors to Barcelona, Sant Jordi is a wonderful opportunity to experience Catalan culture at its best. The city wakes up with music, dance and street performers, while the colors of spring fill the boulevards. Casagrand Luxury Suites eis the perfect base from which to explore Barcelona on Sant Jordi’s Day. Our luxury apartments offer a comfortable and elegant space to relax and recharge your batteries after a day exploring the city’s bookstores and rose stalls.
Literary tour
Private literary tours in Barcelona offer a unique way to explore the literary roots of the city and its most emblematic places, such as the Ateneu Barcelonès and Plaza del Rei, where Miguel de Cervantes lived. You can also visit the famous café Els Quatre Gats, meeting place for artists and writers at the beginning of the 20th century.
Wine tasting
Explore the unique flavors of Barcelona on Sant Jordi’s Day by taking a guided tour of a vineyard. The excursions offer visits to some of the most famous wine cellars of the ragion. You will learn about the winemaking process, taste different types of wine and even buy bottles to take home as souvenirs. Catalonia is famous for producing some of the best sparkling, robust red and fresh white wines in the world. You will taste some of the region’s most famous wines such as the Cava, el Priorat y el Penedès.
Discover Catalan wine culture by exploring our blog for an exclusive wine experience.
Cooking masterclass
Stay in Casagrand and celebrate Sant Jordi in a unique way by preparing traditional Catalan dishes at Hofmann Restaurant. Some of the best chefs will guide you as you create paellas or any other dish you’d like to try. The best part is that you can enjoy this experience in the comfort of your own apartment. After the haute cuisine masterclass, you can savor the delicious results of your efforts.
Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s culinary culture and make Sant Jordi Day even more special with Casagrand.
