Diada de Sant Jordi
A long time ago a fierce dragon frightened the people in Montblanc. He devoured the stock to such an extent that it started to threaten the town’s inhabitants. In order to avoid the attack of the beast it was decided to offer him a person every day. There was a draw among the population, the king’s family was included in the deal, and the princess was chosen. When she was going to be swallowed by the dragon, a knight appeared and saved her. Hi name was Saint George. At the place where the dragon’s blood was shed, grew a rose bush with red roses.
Since then it is a tradition in Catalonia that men give red roses to their beloved and women give men a book for Saint George’s Day (April 23th). The Diada de Sant Jordi has been one of the most important demonstrations of Catalan culture since the Middle Ages. On this day, thousands of people in Catalonia go out for a walk around the numerous book stands arranged in the streets and have the chance to talk to some of their favorite authors and get their books signed.
Catalonia is one of the historic nations of Spain, and SPPO will be offering Catalan courses next academic year (2015-2016). Come and join us as we celebrate the Diada de Sant Jordi, try out some Catalan food, and buy some cheap books and paper roses to give to your beloved. We will be in the main lobby of Hagerty Hall on Friday, April 24 from 10am to 2pm.
