From Paulo Coelho to Sara Mesa and Madeline Miller - book recommendations from Sant Jordi newbies

Sant Jordi is a tradition that, for most Catalans, has been passed on since birth. But for many visitors in Barcelona and Catalonia around April 23, waking up to streets filled with books and roses, and the red-and-yellow colors of the Catalan flag, is a pleasant surprise.

La Rambla, the iconic boulevard in central Barcelona, is always a tourist hotspot, but for Sant Jordi, it’s even more packed, as locals and tourists alike soak up all the love and festive atmosphere.

This year, despite the ongoing construction work on La Rambla that adds a bit of background noise, nothing seems to deter the crowd.

A beautiful day

Edita walks down the boulevard smiling, holding the book ‘Cómo mandar a la mierda de forma educada’ (‘How to tell people to go to hell politely,’ in English) by Alba Cardalda. She found it at a bookstand and decided to buy it for her husband, partially as a joke.

“I think it’s a good way of approaching things,” she says.

She is one of many people enjoying Sant Jordi for the first time. “I think it’s beautiful - all the people who are out sharing and enjoying the day,” she adds with excitement.

A sea of roses and books

Her observations ring true. Everywhere you look on La Rambla, people of all ages and from every corner of the world wander from stand to stand, their eyes darting between books on all kinds of different topics, from comics to history, fiction, or children's literature, just to mention a few.

Rose stalls are just as varied, offering red, yellow, or sometimes rainbow-colored blooms wrapped in cellophane, burlap or whatever creative florists have come up with - some even decorated with little green dragons.

Paul, a visitor from North America, is “five minutes in” when Catalan News meets him on the Rambla, while he is studying a foldable map of the city.

“Sant Jordi seems great”, he says, although he admits he only had “a bit of an idea” about the celebration before stumbling into it.

When asked about books, Paul doesn’t hesitate: He recommends ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, a classic he describes as both “encouraging and enlightening.”

'A lively atmosphere'

Martina, a young book lover, is also experiencing Sant Jordi for the first time. “It's really nice,” she says with a beaming smile. “There’s such a lovely and lively atmosphere, and it’s just so much fun.”

She already knows which book she would recommend for Sant Jordi: ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller. “It’s just such a nice story.”

Further down La Rambla, another Paul - from Belgium - sits on a bench in the shade besides his wife, who holds a rose.

“It’s my first time in Barcelona and my first time celebrating Sant Jordi,” he says.

Friends who live in the city had encouraged him to experience what he now calls a “a very fun and joyful event” with “lots of sun and people.”

Paul and his wife are not the only ones enjoying the sunny weather that has graced the Catalan capital this year.

Repeat visitors

José, visiting from Bilbao, has celebrated the Catalan Day of Love before, though not “in a while.”

“It’s great here”, he says while enjoying a break near the iconic Liceu Theater. “The sunny weather definitely makes strolling down La Rambla very pleasant.”

To celebrate the day, he picked up ‘Oposición’ by Sara Mesa, which came recommended.

Marian from Mallorca has also experienced Sant Jordi in Catalonia, and this year is her second time.

“I love it,” she says, although she admits that the dense crowds can be “a bit much.” She prefers a calmer atmosphere for browsing books, but “I love it either way.”

She hadn’t bought any books yet when Catalan News talked to her, but she is carrying around ‘Ars Vitae’ by Mallorcan Miguel Román Nadal, a recent release.

As locals—some even dressing their pets as dragons—continue to stroll by, so do the tourists who are participating in Sant Jordi for the first time. With roses, books, and phones in hand to document the moment, one thing is certain: the Catalan Day of Love is a celebration for all.