Oh hey! I feel like I haven't written anything for quite a long time as I have been pretty busy with some new projects and because exams are just next to the corner, but today being the 23rd of April I just couldn't not make a post about it: it is Saint George's Day!
You might or might now know the legend or the tradition here or perhaps you have heart about it from other countries who celebrate it such as England. Although I can't say much about the English version, I can assure you that in Catalonia we have a huge beautiful celebration. But, what is it? Today i, the one and only day of BOOKS AND ROSES (they mean love).
You might or might now know the legend or the tradition here or perhaps you have heart about it from other countries who celebrate it such as England. Although I can't say much about the English version, I can assure you that in Catalonia we have a huge beautiful celebration. But, what is it? Today i, the one and only day of BOOKS AND ROSES (they mean love).
Source: WIKIPEDIA
23rd of April
When our city is full of roses and books! It is died in red and then there is an explosion of life and love. On the main streets such as Rambla Catalunya, La Diagonal, Passeig de Gràcias or Las Ramblas many (majorly young) people place their own stalls full of roses or with books to sell so as to other people like me can walk around the city and gossip the latest reading tendencies and just generally enjoy a day of overall happiness. And there are always some great offers on books!
The Legend
Source: WIKPEDIA. | Once upon a time there was a beautiful kingdom, but they had a huge (and never better said) issue: within its territories there is a cave in the mountains alongside which hides a big scary dragon. That monster would eat one sheep or one cow every single day. However, one day, there were no more animals to feed the dragon and the king then had a terrible problem. His only options was to give one of his inhabitants to be eaten the following days. As he didn't want to be an unfair monarch he made a ruffle with all the names of his people and whatever the name which got out was, that person should go to the cave. But things made a twist when the name which got out was the one and only of the king's daughter, the princess. When the next day the young and lovely lady was walking to the dragons home, a gorgeous knight came out of the blue. He was committed to save the princess so as the monster was coming closer he took his sword and killed the dragon. From the animal's blood, a brilliant and red rosebush came out, and the charming knight cut one and gave it to the princess. And well, they lived happily ever after. + Plus! Today is also the International Book Day (as on the 23rd of April died both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes). So, we also celebrate it and that is why you can find a numerous amount of stalls full with books in the streets -and you know, at the very least once a year almost everybody buys a book. |
The Tradition
I really don't know for how long or how this has been going but it has surely turned out to be a beautiful tradition nowadays. Although on today's world there are many variations, the classical thing is boys buy roses to their special girls (and not only girlfriends but also mothers, sisters, grandmas or even best friends with no further intention) and girls -and most boys too- buy books. But anyway, that is not a rule so you can find plenty of girls buying roses and boys giving books. However, it is our Day of Love (like Saint Valentin more or less) and there are many cute couples outside and other hundreds of people enjoying the charms of the city of Barcelona -and others like Girona or Figueres!
And another classical thing -shall I not forget that- is the Saint George's day cake -yep the one below (even though I have actually never tasted it)!
And another classical thing -shall I not forget that- is the Saint George's day cake -yep the one below (even though I have actually never tasted it)!
Source: WIKIPEDIA.
Here is a rose for you!
Do you have anything similar in your cultures?
Sincerely,
Vera
Vera
PS. No matter how many times I live it, this day never stops impressing me. It is so beautiful and filled with happiness, it feels like the streets cheer up and come together to create a unique event. Something you won't be able to see anywhere else.