Saint Jeorge at Casa Batllo

Sant Jordi at Casa Batlló: A celebration of roses, art and magic

Casa Batlló dresses up to pay tribute to one of Catalonia's most beloved traditions: Sant Jordi's Day. This year, Gaudí's emblematic building not only becomes a cultural meeting point, but also a sensory journey that fuses the magic of the festivity with the majesty of modernist architecture.

Dates of the event

From 21 to 23 April, Casa Batlló will be transformed into a rose garden to celebrate Saint George's Day. The façade of the building will be adorned with thousands of flowers, paying homage to this Catalan tradition. Visitors will be able to enjoy a magical atmosphere where Gaudí's architecture merges with the natural beauty of roses, creating a unique experience in the heart of Barcelona - a celebration not to be missed!

The Legend of Sant Jordi

In Montblanc (southern Catalonia), a dragon terrorised the citizens, demanding the daily sacrifice of one person, chosen by lot. Misfortune came to the princess, but just at that moment, Sant Jordi, a brave knight, saved her by defeating the dragon. From the ground where the dragon's blood fell, a rose bush with red roses grew. Sant Jordi, triumphant, plucked a rose and offered it to the princess.

Where is Sant Jordi celebrated?

The legend of Sant Jordi transforms Barcelona and the rest of the cities of Catalonia into streets full of rose and book stalls, and various cultural activities such as sardana dances, exhibitions and competitions. In addition, during the ‘Setmana Medieval de Montblanc,’ the town comes alive with theatrical and musical events commemorating the legend, including the emblematic ‘Portal de Sant Jordi,’ where Sant Jordi is said to have emerged after defeating the dragon.

An unmissable event on the cultural calendar

Sant Jordi's Day, celebrated on 23 April in Barcelona, is one of the most emblematic events on the city's cultural calendar. On this date, the streets are filled with flowers and books, symbolising love and culture. Couples exchange roses and books, while writers sign their works. The festive atmosphere pervades the whole city, making Barcelona a unique place to experience this tradition full of history and emotion, an unmissable event!

World Book Day

23 April is World Book Day, promoted by UNESCO in 1995. That's why on this day, as well as exchanging roses, giving books as gifts is a way of commemorating one of the most deeply-rooted traditions in Catalan culture.

Sant Jordi roses

Giving roses as a gift is the most significant part of this festivity. Anyone can make this offering, although tradition dictates that it is the man who must give a rose to his girl. According to legend, Saint George saved his princess by slaying the dragon from whose blood a rose bush sprouted. That is why some consider it to be the Catalan Saint Valentine, because it is said that Sant Jordi is, par excellence, the patron saint of lovers in Catalonia.

Conclusion

Sant Jordi' at Casa Batlló is an invitation to rediscover the relationship between architecture and nature, through the decoration of flowers and the beautiful façade. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unique experience that will undoubtedly remain etched in your memory.

Gaudi - Barcelona - Casa Batllo

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