April 23rd once again becomes a key day for book and rose lovers , with Sant Jordi taking center stage in Barcelona and other cities joining in the literary celebration. Stalls overflowing with new releases, author signings, concerts, themed fairs, open houses, and even significant traffic disruptions make up a program that goes far beyond simply buying a book and a flower.
This year, Catalonia's National Day (Diada) arrives with urban planning adjustments, new pedestrian zones, and events starting early , both in neighborhoods of the Catalan capital and in other parts of the country, such as El Cabanyal in Valencia. The tradition of the knight and the dragon is being updated in countless ways, amidst debates about the very name of the festival and a cultural offering that leaves little time to breathe.
Barcelona goes all out for Sant Jordi: traffic closures, a literary superblock and new routes
Barcelona is once again the epicenter of the Sant Jordi celebrations , with the city literally taken over by stalls selling books and roses. On Thursday, April 23, weather permitting, the streets will be filled with readers, authors, and curious onlookers eager to stroll, discover new releases, and keep alive one of the most beloved traditions on the local calendar.
The main attraction is once again the so-called "island of Sant Jordi ," a huge pedestrianized superblock stretching between Diagonal Avenue and Gran Via, and between Balmes and Pau Claris streets, extending along Portal de l'Àngel to Cathedral Avenue and a section of Gran de Gràcia, from Pla de Nicolás Salmerón to Astúries Street. Much of the activity is concentrated within this area, with thousands of people moving on foot between stalls and stages.
During the Diada, the area encompassed by this large block will be exclusively for pedestrian use . No motorized vehicles, bicycles, or personal mobility vehicles will be allowed inside. Cars will only be permitted to use the surrounding streets—such as Aragó, València, or Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes—which will act as bypasses around the closed area.
One of the notable changes this year is the absence of stalls on La Rambla due to the remodeling works, which are expected to be completed before the Diada in 2027. To compensate for this lack of one of the most emblematic routes, a new corridor has been set up that runs from Portal de l'Àngel to Plaça Nova, Plaça de la Catedral and Via Laietana, a route that is being launched as a temporary solution but which the Gremi de Llibreters (Booksellers' Guild) does not rule out making permanent in the future.
In total, the city will have 425 authorized points of sale , 364 of which will be for books and 61 for flowers, in addition to the stalls set up right in front of bookstores and flower shops, which add up to about 130 more. This means almost four kilometers of stalls spread across Barcelona's ten districts, with a very significant presence in the Eixample, Ciutat Vella, and the main shopping streets.
Distribution of stops by districts and key areas of the city
The Sant Jordi celebrations are no longer confined to the city center: all ten districts of Barcelona participate with their own stalls and activities, solidifying a truly metropolitan festival. The Eixample district concentrates the bulk of the so-called "literary superblock," but each neighborhood has its own designated space.
In Ciutat Vella there are about 110 stops , while in the Eixample the figure jumps to 243, which include Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya and adjacent streets such as Diputació, Consell de Cent, Mallorca, Provença, Rosselló or Còrsega, as well as sections of Diagonal to Balmes, Plaça Catalunya, Plaça Universitat and Passeig de Sant Joan.
Gràcia has about 35 stops , distributed between Gran de Gràcia street - between Sèneca and Rambla del Prat - and Vila de Gràcia square, while Les Corts has about 14 stops along Diagonal avenue, between Joan Güell and Pau Romeva. These figures are complemented with points distributed throughout Sant Martí (Rambla del Poblenou, Mercat and Font i Sagué squares, Cabanyal and Sèquia Comtal streets, and the surroundings of the Gabriel García Márquez library), Sants (Jardins of the Rambla de Sants), Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (Sarrià square), Horta-Guinardó (Eivissa square), Nou Barris (Via Júlia marquee and Virrei Amat square) and Sant Andreu (Orfila and Comerç squares and Segre street).
This entire operation involves significant traffic disruptions and restrictions . On key thoroughfares such as Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, and the designated sections of Consell de Cent and other streets, traffic is halted throughout the day to allow access for pedestrians, tents, and stages. Bicing stations within the city center are also temporarily closed, forcing those who use shared bicycles to reorganize their routes.
The city's objective is to prioritize pedestrian experience and safety , acknowledging that motorized traffic will have to adapt for a few hours. For many residents, this has already become the typical scene of a massive Sant Jordi festival, where streets normally clogged with traffic are transformed into a grand literary promenade.
The party comes down to the neighborhoods: Sants, Creu Coberta and neighborhood fairs
Beyond the city center, several neighborhoods organize their own Sant Jordi festivals , combining book and rose stalls with cultural activities, shows, and community events. Sants and Creu Coberta are some of the areas where the festival is celebrated with particular enthusiasm.
During the weekend closest to April 23rd, the Creu Coberta Merchants Association is hosting a book fair with a wide-ranging cultural program , including folk performances and intercultural events with the participation of communities from around the world. Bookstores, associations, and other organizations are coordinating efforts to offer two full days of activities.
At the Espai Abacus, located in the area, more than 50 writers are scheduled to appear throughout the weekend. There will be presentations and talks on a literary stage set up at the intersection of Callao and Creu Coberta streets, where the public can listen to the authors discuss their works and get signed books.
This neighborhood fair also involves specific traffic disruptions . The section of Creu Coberta street between Joanot Martorell and Plaça Espanya will be closed, as will a portion of Consell de Cent between Rector Triadó and Creu Coberta, and the section of Torre d'en Damians between Consell de Cent and Creu Coberta. Additionally, segments of Rector Triadó and Callao between Creu Coberta and Consell de Cent will be affected.
Parking is prohibited on all these streets from 7 a.m. on Saturday until 22 p.m. on Sunday, coinciding with the activities and the "We Open Streets" program, which already closes Sants Street every weekend until 20 p.m. This time, however, Creu Coberta is completely closed throughout the weekend and traffic is not restored on Saturday night, meaning pedestrians reclaim public space for many more hours.
Sant Jordi comes ahead in Valencia: the event of “Sant Jordi al Cabanyal”
The influence of Sant Jordi is also felt outside of Catalonia, with initiatives adapting the tradition to other regions . A significant example is the Cabanyal neighborhood in Valencia, which will celebrate its own version under the name "Sant Jordi al Cabanyal."
Although International Book Day is officially celebrated on April 23, the seaside neighborhood has opted to move the festivities to the preceding Sunday , taking advantage of the fact that it falls on a weekend. Thus, on April 19, the streets of El Cabanyal will also be filled with books and roses, in an atmosphere that blends Mediterranean essence with the spirit of Catalonia's National Day.
The activity will be concentrated on Reina and Carles Ros streets , where stalls from a wide variety of bookstores and publishers will be set up. Participating bookstores include La Batisfera, Ubik Café along with Libros Balzac, Todos Contentos y Yo También, Nöstlinger, Llibreria de Campanar, Arribada Llibres, Librería Insomne, and Trobar Cabanyal.
Joining the festivities are publishers such as Barlín Libros, MediaVaca, Drassana Llibres, Osadía Ediciones, and Coma Tres Distribuidora, who are hosting book presentations, public readings, and a number of authors available to sign copies and chat with readers. It's a way of bringing the tradition of the rose and the book to a local context, highlighting the Valencian cultural scene.
The day in El Cabanyal will also include live radio , with a special program of "La Gallina Ciega" on Radio Malva, which will take the opportunity to pay tribute to the writer Abelardo Muñoz on the occasion of the publication of his latest book. A blend of literature, neighborhood, and popular culture that fits perfectly with the open and participatory philosophy that characterizes Sant Jordi.
The legend of Saint George and the debate about the name of the festival
Behind the roses and book signings lies the ancient legend of Saint George , which continues to inspire much of the imagery associated with Catalonia's National Day. The popular tale explains that a knight slew a dragon to save a princess, and from the spilled blood sprang a rosebush with red flowers. From this rosebush, the knight cut the most beautiful rose to give to the princess, who in return gifted him a book.
This story has become the symbolic explanation for the exchange of a rose and a book that is repeated every year in Catalonia and, by extension, in other areas where this custom has been adopted. For many people, giving a rose and a book on Sant Jordi's Day is almost an unavoidable ritual, whether as a couple or among family, friends, or colleagues.
However, in recent times debates have arisen surrounding the very name of the day . The writer Eduardo Mendoza, for example, has publicly argued that it should be called "Book Day" and not Sant Jordi's Day, considering that the figure of the saint has no direct relationship with literature or the writing profession, and has even referred to the legendary figure in an openly ironic tone.
Mendoza's statements have generated strong criticism on social media and within Catalan political circles , with some voices asserting that Sant Jordi is a defining symbol that explicitly links books, language, and the nation. For these groups, separating the Diada (Catalan National Day) from the saint would strip the day of its symbolism, a day that, beyond its commercial dimension, serves as a cultural showcase for Catalonia to the world.
This clash of visions highlights the tension between those who prefer a more universal approach focused on reading —aligned with International Book Day—and those who defend the specificity of Sant Jordi as a distinct festival. For now, what is clear is that, whatever it's called, the event maintains undeniable social and cultural significance.
Town crier, posters, music and film: a Diada packed with activities
The celebration in Barcelona is not limited to the 23rd itself. The Sant Jordi program begins with preliminary events and continues for several days , mixing literature, music, urban art, film and open days in emblematic buildings.
The official start of the reading festival takes place with the opening address in the Saló de Cent of the City Hall , which this year will be given by the Scottish writer Ali Smith. The author, a member of the Royal Society of Literature and winner of awards such as the Goldsmith Prize, the Costa Novel Award, and the Whitbread Novel Award, has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary English-language literature.
Ali Smith will deliver an opening address on the afternoon of April 22nd and participate in a conversation with her Catalan translator, Dolors Udina. She is also scheduled to hold another dialogue with the writer and journalist Eva Piquer at the Jaume Fuster Library, further establishing the tradition of the opening address as a space for literary reflection beyond mere celebration.
Another of the great symbols of the Diada is the official Sant Jordi poster . This year, the graphic design is by the urban artist TVBoy, who offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the myth, placing empathy and love at its core. The posters can be obtained at the Palau de la Virreina, where free copies—one per person—are distributed while supplies last, reinforcing the festival's visual presence on balconies and shop windows.
During the event, TVBoy will create a collective mural inspired by the legend at the intersection of Ronda Sant Pere and Passeig de Gràcia. This live mural, taking place from midday to early afternoon, will transform the urban space into a large canvas linked to Sant Jordi and invite residents and visitors to follow the creative process step by step.
Talks, fairs, concerts and open doors: much more than books and roses
The Sant Jordi program increasingly includes parallel activities that complement the purchase of books and roses . From literary talk series to music festivals and themed fairs, there is a wide range of options for all types of audiences.
The city's libraries are hosting the "Diàlegs de Sant Jordi" series , which invites national and international authors to meet with readers. In the days leading up to the event, authors such as Hugo Gonçalves and Lucía Solla Sobral have already participated, and upcoming appearances include Desirée de Fez and Maria Rovira, Donatella Di Cesare and Eduald Espluga, as well as Turkish writers Zülfü Livaneli and Burhan Sönmez, and South Korean author Han Kang, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.
As a prelude to Catalonia's National Day, the Gustavo Gili publishing house is organizing a family day with book and rose stalls and workshops , while the Sant Antoni Sunday market is bringing forward the celebration and will remain open on the main days of April 22nd and 23rd. The combination of secondhand books, new releases, and activities makes this space a must-visit for bibliophiles.
Meanwhile, the publishing house Candaya, the La Cañada cultural center, and the Poble-sec Merchants Association are coordinating the 5th Independent Publishers Meeting , from April 19th to 23rd. The event brings together small and medium-sized publishing projects, featuring authors such as Isabel Llanos, Natza Farré, Montse Virgili, and Hugo Clemente, as well as musical performances, readings, discussions, and literary tours that transform the neighborhood into a hub of continuous cultural activity.
Photography also finds its place with the photobook fair promoted by the Photographic Social Vision Foundation , while Casa Asia brings together works and authors of Asian origin, and Plaça de Sant Just hosts a new edition of the Festival del Llibre d'Artista i la Petita Edició (Festival of Artist's Books and Small Editions). Meanwhile, Casa Seat has designed its own program with signings by musicians and artists—such as Supersubmarina, Carolina Iglesias, Jesús Cañadas, Joan Dausà, and Joana Marcús—musical performances, and the opportunity to visit TVBoy's "Forbidden Kisses" exhibition for free.
The soundtrack of Sant Jordi and the city that opens up
Music has become an essential element of the Diada . On the eve of the 23rd, the group Mishima maintains the tradition of "La Nit de les Roses" at the La Paloma venue, an event that blends poetry and concert with the participation of prominent names in Catalan literature such as Eva Baltasar, Pol Guasch, Carlota Gurt, and Biel Mesquida.
On April 22nd, the Palau de la Música Catalana celebrates Sant Jordi with a performance of "La Traviata" by Novaria Produccions. For the occasion, the Palau gives a rose to each audience member, reinforcing the symbolic link between music, flowers, and the city that has grown stronger in recent years.
On the 23rd, the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm serves as the day's main musical epicenter , with nine uninterrupted hours of concerts. Established groups like Buhos—celebrating two decades in the business—La Pegatina, 31 Fam, Els Amics de les Arts, Maria Jaume, Lildami, El Pony Pisador, and Macaco take to the stage, along with emerging artists such as Triquell, Griso, Juls, Eva Fort, and Naina.
In addition to the performances, there will be album signings by participating musicians and other guest artists, such as La Fúmiga, Paula Mattheus, and Dorian. The program is rounded out with a diverse culinary offering to suit all tastes, transforming the venue into a kind of festival within the literary festival.
The city is also opening up architecturally with open days at numerous buildings and institutions. Visitors can explore Barcelona City Hall, the Palau de la Generalitat, and the Diputació, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Hospital de Sant Pau, the Palau Güell, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, and the Sagrada Família, which offers free admission to people named Jordi or Jordina (and one guest). Other participating institutions include the Biblioteca de Catalunya, the Institut d'Estudis Catalans, the Ateneu Barcelonès, the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, the Museu d'Arqueologia, and the Can Framis Museum of the Fundació Vila Casas.
Other facilities, such as the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya, the Columbus Monument , and the Torre Glòries viewpoint, are also participating, the latter with special offers for those named Jordi or Jordina and their variations. Although some buildings, like Casa Batlló, don't hold formal open houses, they once again capture everyone's attention by covering their facades in roses, creating an iconic image that often floods social media.
New books and featured authors make for a very literary Sant Jordi.
While cities finalize logistical and festive details, bookstores are experiencing weeks of intense work to prepare their new releases. The Catalan selection is particularly strong, with a significant number of female authors and debut novels vying for a place on the Sant Jordi bestseller lists.
Among the most anticipated returns is that of Alicia Kopf , who comes back after the impact of "Germà de gel" with "Memòria d'Eco," a novel that explores how artificial intelligence can transform romantic relationships, also questioning the links between body, memory, and technology. This work resonates with contemporary concerns and is likely to appeal to readers interested in the intersection of science and emotion, especially in a season that also features award-winning authors such as the winner of the Nadal Prize.
German-born writer Stephanie Kremser makes her Catalan debut with "Acció de gràcies per una casa" (Action of Graces for a House), a book that uses the idea of the house as a central theme to explore different stages of life, both her own and others'. Meanwhile, Eva Baltasar , author of "Permagel" (Permagel) and "Ocàs i fascinació" (Sunsets and Fascination), presents a new novel centered on a successful writer who is swept away by an unexpected love affair with a fishmonger, a relationship that becomes increasingly complex as it deepens.
Also noteworthy is Empar Moliner 's proposal , which imagines a seriously ill columnist who meticulously plans her impending absence, hiring a librarian admirer to impersonate her so her articles continue to be published and her family can maintain an income. Another author, Anna Pantinat , draws inspiration from Sumerian tales to present an apocalyptic Barcelona in a novel written in verse, where a handful of people must rewrite history after the city's collapse.
Drought, both climatic and personal, serves as the backdrop for a novel by Carlota Gurt , which portrays inertia in work, relationships, and family life through two characters, Ramona and Faust, who become obsessed with each other after meeting at the Sau reservoir. Meanwhile, the 66th Sant Jordi Prize has been awarded to a multi-character work by Carles Rebassa , featuring a young waiter from Palma—the Prometheus of the title—who falls in love with Carles as the city teeters on the brink of collapse, delivering a powerful social and linguistic critique.
In the realm of family narratives, Emma Zafón returns to the domestic microcosm after "Married and Silent" with a story centered on Piedad, a woman who painstakingly runs her household until an accident leaves her unable to use her arms, in a portrait of a generation of women marked by renunciation. Meanwhile, Pol Guasch offers his most personal work, focusing on the suicide of a father and its impact on a teenager who tries to rebuild his life by embracing literature as a lifeline.
The catalog of new releases is completed with titles such as the recreation of the life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy , George Orwell's first wife, written by Miquel Berga and set during the Spanish Civil War and World War II; an intimate collection of poems by Feliu Formosa , possibly his most personal since his "Cançoner" of 1976; the first novel by Etna Miró , "Amèlia de les Camèlies", which portrays a young student of Literary Studies in the Eixample district of Barcelona; or the volume by Professor Ricard Ripoll, which brings together French authors who have set their works in Barcelona.
Also noteworthy are a first-person narrative by Natza Farré about what it means to be the younger sister of a heroin addict in 80s Barcelona; a compilation of contemporary short stories by Mar Bosch Oliveras that takes the pulse of the current mood with a skeptical and humorous perspective; and a poetry collection awarded the 2025 Ausiàs March Prize in Gandia, where the father's terminal illness is mixed with a passion for pigeon breeding in poetry of an intimate and cathartic tone.
In bookstores throughout Catalonia, a "new wave" of authors is palpable, coexisting with established names , with a particular emphasis on female writers who reinforce the diversity of perspectives available to readers. Sant Jordi thus becomes once again the grand showcase where many of these titles vie for a place in the collective consciousness.
With streets lined with stalls, neighborhoods closed to traffic, literary announcements, concerts, films, open houses, and a flood of newly printed books, the Sant Jordi celebration once again demonstrates its ability to mobilize entire cities around culture . Amid debates about the weight of the myth, proposals that cross borders like the Cabanyal festival, and a program ranging from the local to the international, the Diada reaffirms itself as one of the major events on the Spanish cultural calendar and a privileged barometer of the state of reading and literary creation.
