St. George's Day in Spain

Many Catalonian men present their female relatives with roses on St George's Day (Día de San Jorge) in Spain. The day is celebrated on April 23 each year. Lovers also swap gifts of books and roses on this day. 

 

What do people do?

Many people go to festive markets to buy books and flowers, particularly roses, to give to their loved ones on St George's Day. These markets are held in the center of towns and villages, particularly Barcelona. They often include other cultural and literary events, such as book signings and readings of classical Spanish or Catalonian literature.

Many men traditionally present their grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, wives, girlfriends, daughters and other female relatives with roses. Many lovers may present each other with books, roses and other gifts.

Public life

April 23 is not a public holiday in the autonomous community of Catalonia. Many businesses, stores and other organizations are open as usual and public transport services operate to their normal schedule. However, special flower and book markets are held in the center of many cities, towns and villages. Some roads may be closed to accommodate these and there may be extra traffic congestion.

In the autonomous community of Aragon, April 23 is a public holiday known as the Day of Aragon. In the autonomous community of Castile and León, April 23 is a public holiday known as the Day of Castile and León. St George's Day is not a public holiday in the rest of Spain on April 23.

Background

St George was was a soldier in the Roman army. He is best known for slaying a dragon in the town of Silene somewhere in North Africa. In doing this, he saved the life of princess. St George's Day was a public holiday in the autonomous community of Aragon until 2007. There,  April 23 is now known as the Day of Aragon.  St George's Day is also celebrated in other places worldwide, including England. The day also ties in with World Book and Copyright Day.

Symbols

Books and roses are the main symbols of St George's Day in Catalonia. A sprig of wheat is often tied to a rose with a piece of red and yellow striped ribbon. This symbolizes the Senyera, a red and yellow stripped flag. This is an ancient symbol of Catalonia and forms the modern flag of this region.

St. George's Day

 

St. George is the patron saint of England. His emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. St George's emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

St George was a brave Roman soldier who protested against the Romans' torture of Christians and died for his beliefs. The popularity of St George in England stems from the time of the early Crusades when it is said that the Normans saw him in a vision and were victorious.

One of the best-known stories about Saint George is his fight with a dragon. But it is highly unlikely that he ever fought a dragon, and even more unlikely that he ever actually visited England. Despite this, St George is known throughout the world as the dragon-slaying patron saint of England.

By tradition, 23 April is the day for a red rose in the button hole, the national flower. However, unlike other countries, England does not celebrate it like Americans celebrate 4 July with fireworks. In fact, you are more likely to see big St Patrick parades in England celebrating Ireland's National Day, more than you would see any sign of St Georges Day being celebrated.

For most people in England St George's Day is just another ordinary working day.

What do England and Catalonia have in common?
It's the fact that Saint George is the patron saint of both.
Probably you know something about the Catalan traditionfor Saint George, if not you can learn more about this festivity here.
And how much do you know about England? Try this quiz.
Learn more about the festivity in England here: 1, 2