Sant Jordi / St Georges Day Sitges 2012

Sitges Paseo today awoke to stalls along the seafront selling books and roses in honour of St George’s Day.

The celebration could not be simpler: the ritual consists of going for a walk and buying a rose, a book or both to give to loved ones, family members and friends.

The origin of this unusual festival can be found in a mixture of traditions and customs from different periods. The fact that Saint George (Sant Jordi) is the patron saint of Catalonia (officially since 1456) coincides with another medieval custom of celebrating a Rose Fair or “Lovers’ Fair” at the Palau de la Generalitat.

Happy St Georges Day from Sitges.