Sant Jordi map: where to enjoy the festival of books and roses

There is perhaps no better day to wander around the streets of Barcelona than Sant Jordi, Catalan for Saint George, the vibrant festival of books and roses celebrated every year on April 23rd.

Most of last year’s celebrations were called off to avoid a spike in coronavirus contagion as the country was still battling the first wave of the pandemic, and a smaller-scale Sant Jordi was later held in July.

While the coming Sant Jordi will look nothing like its pre-pandemic predecessors, organizers have laid out a comprehensive plan to ensure that people can enjoy the celebration while respecting safety measures.

On the one hand, businesses like bookstores and florists will be allowed to set up stands on the street in front of their premises, totalling around 490 throughout the city.

On the other hand, the city council has designated eleven outdoor areas as festival hotspots, featuring 180 stands and 31 book-signing points with authors. The areas will be sealed off to control access, capacity will be limited to 30%, and will open from 9 am to 8 pm.

The designated areas are: Passeig de Gràcia (between Ronda Sant Pere and Aragó street), Passeig Lluís Companys, Jardinets de Gràcia, Plaça Reial, Plaça de Valdivia, Plaça de la Vila, Plaça de Sarrià, Jardins Centelles del Palau Macaya, Plaça Universitat, Plaça Orfila and the area between Rambla i carrers Pallars, Llacuna i Pujades.

Check out where the festival hotspots are located