Sant Jordi
Apr 23rd, 2014 by willmarks
Today is el día San Jorge here in Barcelona, otherwise known as Diada Sant Jordi (Catalan), or Saint George’s Day. April 23 is also the cumpleaños of Mom! Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia, as well as that of England and certain other locales. While not a holiday here, the day has been celebrated since the 15th century we are told.
The festivities are based on a legend about Saint George and a dragon that terrified a city. To save the town from the beast, the citizens fed the dragon two lambs every day, but the farms eventually ran dry of sheep. So, as an alternative, a person was chosen as food in a daily lottery. One day, the King’s daughter was picked in the lottery for the dragon’s meal. Just as she was about to be consumed, a man (George) appeared and slayed the dragon, and from its blood quickly grew a rose.
Thus, it has apparently been a tradition for men to buy a single rose for women, in honor of this gallant Saint George. Today, rose stands were set up on almost every corner of Barcelona, most on tables covered with the Catalan flag. Of note, I saw a Spanish flag today for the first time in ages; it will be interesting to see if the Catalonians show any national patriotism during the World Cup this summer??
In addition, today is World Book Day, apparently not a coincidence. April 23 marks the death of the great Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes (someday I need to read Don Quijote I guess), and in 1923, Spain decided to honor him on this day. More recently, the rest of the world hopped on bandwagon to make this a global event. April 23 also is the date of Shakespeare’s death, and possibly (arguably it seems) his birth. While women in Catalonia receive roses on April 23, it is tradition for them to present men with a book. Today, the booksellers of Barcelona set up shop all along the streets.
At MEM’s school, BFIS, we watched a festival this afternoon, a bit endless, as every grade, preschool through 12, put on a show. Maggie’s and Ella’s classes danced and Max’s built human towers, popularly known here as castellers.
Maggie lower left…
Max lifting in the center…
And a recent casteller show at city hall…
