books and roses

John Boyne, Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus, Sari Arponen, and Robin Sharma among writers

Iolanda Batallé Prats, director of the Ramon Llull Institute explains how Catalan literature is going from strength to strength 

Festival of books and roses, held amid Covid safety measures, offers glimpse of pre-pandemic joy

Some book and rose stands expected on alternative date set due to Covid lockdown in April

Projects with a variety of organizations in Europe and US aim to spread Catalonia's day of books and roses to an international audience

April 23 honors Catalonia's patron saint, and while the health crisis means public gatherings are banned, there are ways to mark this special day

Health crisis impacts Catalonia's annual celebration of books and romance on April 23

Flower vendors gear up for April 23, when Catalonia celebrates its patron saint in its own unique way

One of Catalonia’s most beloved festivals, Sant Jordi, will be celebrated in a record 50 countries worldwide this year. Although Catalonia’s Patron Saint Day is on the 23^rd of April, there are activities related to books and roses—the main protagonists of the day—scheduled over the course of a few weeks in New York, Bogotá, London, Melbourne, Johannesburg, and many others. The Delegations of the Catalan Government abroad play a key role in exporting Sant Jordi around the world. Also active is the Institut Ramon Llull (IRL), which is a public institution in charge of promoting Catalan culture and language, and the University Network of Catalan Studies Abroad. Thus, exhibitions, public readings, stalls selling books and roses, and elements of Catalan culture, such as traditional human towers (Castellers), will deliver the spirit of Sant Jordi all over the globe.