Catalunya celebrates Sant Jordi’s festivity each 23rd April, the Rose and Book Day.
Once upon a time, there was a small town called Montblanc, who lived frightened by a terrible dragon who ate their cattle.
Soon animals started to scarce but the dragon threatened them arguing that if they didn’t give him something to eat each day, he would destroy and burn Montblanc. So the town decided to give the dragon a person each day, to be devoured by the beast. Nobody wanted to be first, so they raffle who would be the first to be eaten. And, bad luck! It was the same princess the chosen one, Princess Cleodolinda, loved by all town for her goodness.
Princess went to dragon’s cave. The dragon was about to eat her, when a knight in a white horse appeared. The knight was Sant Jordi. He got in front of the princess and protecting her, started a hard, furious battle against the dragon. But the knight killed the dragon with his sword, saving the princess.
The legend tells that where the blood flew in the dragon’s injury, grew a rose, from which the knight cut a rose and gave it to the princess.
It’s because of this legend that every 23rd April (date of Sant Jordi’s death), people in Catalunya gives away roses to loved ones.
But at the same time, Sant Jordi’s Day is also the Book’s Day and Catalan Culture’s Day, so it’s a perfect occasion to visit books and roses stalls all around the town. Also, you can enjoy of all kind of activities related to Catalan Culture.
Did you know that, in 1929, during Universal Exposition Barcelona, they decided that 23rd April would be, aside from Rose Day, also the Book Day, because coincided with the death date of some of the most important writers in Literature History, like Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes or Josep Pla?
From 1995, UNESCO ordained 23rd April International Day of Books.
Don’t miss one the most special days in Lloret de Mar. See you in Hotel Acapulco!
...and in our Hotel Acapulco, each colleague with a rose!
- Sant Jordi 2015 - Hotel Acapulco Lloret
