Sant Jordi, the Catalan holiday celebrated across the globe

April 23 is Catalonia’s Valentine’s Day. Sant Jordi, or Saint George in English, is an opportunity for couples to celebrate their love - and friends their friendship - by exchanging gifts of roses and books.

However, just because it is a Catalan tradition to celebrate on this day does not mean that you have to miss out if you are outside the territory, as the Catalan diaspora, as well as those simply with an interest in the culture, will be hosting over 300 events Sant Jordi-themed events on Saturday and other days. 

According to Diplocat, the public-private consortium that promotes Catalonia abroad, there will be Sant Jordi celebrations in at least 239 cities in 38 different countries (more than before the pandemic!), from Italy to the United States, Mexico to Japan.

Below is a list of some of the highlights from around the globe - more can be found here or with the #BooksAndRoses hashtag on social media. 

Tokyo

The Japanese capital’s Catalan community will be getting together on Saturday for a book exchange, cava sparkling wine tasting and children's activities. 

Where: 2-chōme-5-28 Nakameguro

When: 3 pm to 8 pm 

Alghero

Alghero, or l’Alguer in Catalan, is a small Catalan-speaking town on the Italian island of Sardinia. The Catalan government delegation to Italy has organized a week’s worth of events to mark the day of books and roses, including book presentations, exhibitions, and guided tours.

Bangkok 

In Thailand, the Spanish Embassy and Mesa 312, a “Spanish-Thai cultural lab”, will be celebrating Sant Jordi too, with a calligraphy performance, book signings, and free paella courtesy of Bangkok’s Barcelona Gaudí Restaurant. 

Where: GalileOasis Hotel, 535 32 ตรอก Wat Phraya Yang Alley, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi

When: 10 am to 6 pm

London

London’s Catalan human towers squad, the Castellers of London, will be joining the likes of the London Catalan Choir, the Colla Bastonera, and Tower Ravens to make this Sant Jordi a memorable one in England’s capital. 

Where: Minerva Square, SE1 9DF 

When: 11:30 am

Jersey City

This year the Jersey City Theater Center is organizing the Sant Jordi USA Festival of Books, Roses & the Arts 2022, a seven-day festival consisting of exhibitions, dances, film installations, round tables, and talks from authors from all over the world.

When: April 21-22 6:00-10:00 pm; April 23 2:00-6:00 pm; April 24 11:00 am-6:00 pm; April 25-28 6:00-9:00 pm

Where: Jersey City Theater Center, 165 Newark Avenue

Mexico City

The Porrúa book shop in the Mexican capital will have activities for the whole family and will host activities for the whole family, such as origami, wall painting, storytelling, and more.

Where: Av. Grutas S/N, Bahía grutas, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11580 Ciudad de México

When: from 11 am