Sant Jordi: Sunday 20th – Saturday 26th April 2025
Sant Jordi:
A journey into Catalonia’s beloved celebration of love, literature and legend
Sant Jordi’s Day is one of Catalonia’s most cherished public holidays, steeped in tradition and legend. The tale of Saint George slaying the dragon and saving the king’s daughter captivates hearts, while the festival ignites passion across Catalonia. On this special day, lovers exchange books and roses, honoring romance and literature and celebrating the patron saint of Catalonia. Sant Jordi’s Day began in 303 AD, evolving from the Day of the Rose to a significant cultural celebration, especially during the Renaissance in the 19th century.
Step into the Vibrant World of Sant Jordi’s Day
Explore the colorful stalls and celebrate culture, community, and creativity!
Embark on a Unique Celebration of Love, Literature, and Sant Jordi Celebrations!
- Complete Spanish (with a touch of Catalan) Immersion
- Engage with locals and fellow visitors alike, sharing in the joyous celebration of culture, community, and creativity that defines the Diada de Sant Jordi in Barcelona.
- Enjoy complete Spanish immersion as you interact with native speakers, deepening your understanding of Spanish traditions and language nuances, including the tradition of giving red roses.
- Enhance your communication skills with guidance from a native-speaking teacher, gaining invaluable insights and practical experience in real-life conversations.
Discover the Essence of Sant Jordi Day in Barcelona:
- Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Barcelona on Sant Jordi’s Day, where the streets buzz with excitement and vibrant colors, especially around Plaça Sant Jaume.
- Experience the rich Catalan tradition firsthand as you explore the myriad stalls adorned with beautiful roses and literary treasures symbolizing love and literature.
- Engage with locals and fellow visitors alike, sharing in the joyous celebration of culture, community, and creativity that defines Sant Jordi’s Day in Barcelona. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Ajuntament de Barcelona, which opens its doors to the public on this special occasion, offering a rare glimpse into its historic interior.
Day of the Rose and Sant Jordi’s legend
Before 1861, April 24 was known as Rose Day or San Juan Day (Saint George or San Jorge) in the Spanish and European Regions. The story is told about actual circumstances that occurred around 24 April 3304, when Rome beheaded a soldier named George, likely in Greece. Eventually, he became a “sex epic tale”. In Catalonia, Sant Jordi had killed a dragon and saved the queen. When Jordi killed the dragon, rose bushes emerged from the dragon’s blood, and the knight presented a rose to the queen.
Inclusions:
- A 7-Day 6-Night Program
- Daily integrated Spanish classes with a native teacher
- Accommodation in the teacher’s home
- Meals provided or outings to local spots
- Daily themed activities guided by the host teacher or a knowledgeable guide
- Pick up from the host teacher’s local train station
Your host Teacher in Barcelona
As your certified Spanish teacher and hospitable host, I’m delighted to lead you on this language adventure. Let’s immerse ourselves in the vibrant spirit of Barcelona’s grand festival, La Mercè. Join me as we delve into the heart of this lively celebration, where a warm and genuine welcome awaits. Together, let’s ignite our passion for language and culture!
– Mónica
Activities: Red Roses
- Explore the vibrant streets of Barcelona, adorned with colorful stalls selling roses and books, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Sant Jordi’s Day.
- Experience the unique sight of vibrant roses decorating Casa Batlló’s façade, a special treat during the Sant Jordi festivities. Venture inside to complete this unforgettable experience.
- Discover a literary adventure as we explore over 300 book stalls around Barcelona’s city center on Sant Jordi’s Day, honoring literary giants like Miguel de Cervantes.
- Take a leisurely walk along Las Ramblas, where vibrant flower stalls line the bustling street, offering an array of roses to celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day.
- Tour the Town Hall or Casa de la Ciutat, a historic building blending various architectural styles, and learn about the legend of Sant Jordi and the terrible dragon that once terrorized a village in Catalonia.
- Explore The Palau de la Generalitat, a majestic architectural marvel showcasing Catalan heritage and the historical venue where the custom of giving a rose started during the Sant Jordi celebration.
- Treat yourself to traditional dishes like Escalivada, Escudella, or Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato).
- Don’t miss out on sampling local delights such as Sant Jordi bread, a sweet cake adorned with the Catalan flag.
Requirements to Join this Adventure in Barcelona
This is a conversational oriented experience, therefore it is recommended for Spanish learners with at least a B1 proficiency level.
Furthermore, for this experience you must:
- Participate in a Zoom meeting to assess your conversational skills
- Be open-minded to share the adventure with students from different countries
- Commit to using only the Spanish language during your stay in Burgos
- Be eager to embrace this unforgettable experience!
FAQs
Why is Sant Jordi celebrated?
Catalan people celebrate Saint Jordis to honor Saint George 303AD’s death. He became the symbol of Catalonia throughout its 20-year history as culturally and politically, the Renaissance reclaimed Catalan identity.
Different routes of the Way of St.James
St. Georgius was an early Christian knight. The first four hundred years. He was killed by martyrdom on 23 April 303 AD by King Diocletian for refusing to pursue Christians. After he died, the artist was highly regarded, and his popularity spread throughout Catalonia during the mid-century.
What is Sant Jordi the patron saint of?
St. George, or San Jordi, is a catholic saint patron saint with an annual celebration of Saint George’s Day. It is an occasion to celebrate Catalonian culture over a long period.
What is the myth of Sant Jordi?
One day, the King’s daughter was able to sacrifice her. Before he could eat her, he encountered another king and confronted her with his sword. It was Saint Jordin. He hurled the spear into the dragon’s ear, and red roses appeared.