On Sunday 23 April the streets of Barcelona will be flooded, as they are every year, with the magic of the day of the book through the legend of Sant Jordi. A tradition of giving love and affection to those you love and care about by giving books and roses.
Book Day is a long-awaited date during the year, as literary culture allows citizens to go out and share something essential in society. From the youngest to the oldest, passing on the legacy left by letters. The creativity, the imagination, the curiosity or being able to live different experiences when turning the pages. All of this can be enjoyed close up by having the main streets of the city full of flower and book stalls. For the second year, the Supermanzana Literaria returns with completely pedestrian areas. In addition, it has been extended to allow car-free strolling and connecting areas that were previously separated, between Gran Vía and Diagonal, Balmes and Pau Claris, reaching Ciutat Vella.
A day that encourages writing and reading, as well as solidarity, as many of the points of sale aim to raise money and help other people. The emblematic points established in the heart of Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló, Majestic Hotel & SPA Barcelona or the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, have already prepared different proposals to welcome 23 April, the day of Sant Jordi, a day where fantasy and reality become one.
The former Modernist hospital of Sant Pau hides the legend of Sant Jordi within its walls
The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Sitewill open its doors free of charge to celebrate Book Day, coinciding with the centenary of the death of the architect of the Art Nouveau building, Domènech i Montaner. To accompany the magic of the site, Sant Pau has prepared various activities from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. 2023 is the year of the architect who designed one of Barcelona’s most emblematic buildings. To mark his centenary, images of the development of the modernist hospital will be projected, more than 2,000 plans drawn up between 1901 and 1930. The legend of Sant Jordi will be hidden in small corners of the old hospital, and thanks to the help of an interactive map visitors will be able to find the references.
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of the architect of the Domènech i Montaner Art Nouveau Site. The open doors in Sant Jordi is also an opportunity to learn more about him and the site.
What’s more, while enjoying and discovering details, the presence of books is not far behind. The Laie shop in Sant Pau will be a point of sale where the latest literary novelties will be on display. Current and past stories, as they also have titles on modernism, architecture, as well as the evolution of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. On the other hand, from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, participants will be able to enjoy different recitals, while in the gardens of the venue, BCNswing will get participants moving to the rhythm of swinging.
The dragon, the lady, the knight and the flower continue to enchant visitors to Casa Batlló.
After eight consecutive years, the Casa Batlló Casa Batlló will attract all eyes this Sant Jordi thanks to the mantle of roses that will dress its façade. Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s main centres of interest, and on such a special day the promenade exudes magic. The legend of the knight, the lady and the dragon is symbolically represented in the house. The ceramic roof tiles simulate the scales of the animal, with a gap in the roof representing its large, observant eye. The sword is represented by the tower with the four-armed cross, and the princess rests on one of the balconies in the shape of a tulip.
On 23 April, the Simbòlic Casa Batlló Store will offer one of the 8 gifts they have prepared for any drink. Two of them are the auca de Sant Jordi and the poster with the building portrayed.
In collaboration with the Ernesto Ventós Foundation, the entrance hall will offer a sensory journey on an olfactory and visual level. The beautiful red roses will cover the floor with the essence of the best roses in the world: Bulgarian, Turkish and Moroccan roses. In addition, this year visitors will be able to enjoy a small auca, a pictorial story with rhymes, in which the traditional legend is represented. To carry it out, Casa Batlló has teamed up with the writer Joan Grau i Martí and Eduard Altarriba i Bigas as draughtsman.
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona celebrates Sant Jordi in solidarity with the people of Barcelona
To celebrate in solidarity on 23 April, Sant Jordi’s Day, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona joins Fundació IRES through the campaign a rose for a cause. Thus, they will raise funds to help families in vulnerable social situations. From 9.00h until 20.00h, more than 1,200 roses will dress up the entrance of the complex, with all the money collected going to social programmes. As every Sunday, from 13.00h to 16.30h, the SOLC restaurant serves the Majestic Brunch, offering visitors a relaxing time while tasting proximity and quality products. Well-prepared dishes led by the Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany, who will also be present to sign his book Receptes per compartir en familia..
The wide entrance to the complex allows for large stands where roses will be the protagonists.
The Catalan chef, dedicated to his craft, is always involved in representing his cuisine. Last month he was part of a special day in which the restaurant celebrated the sixth edition of the Passeig de Gourmets. In addition to the satisfaction of doing a bit for people who need help, some of the roses will carry with them different surprises. You can enjoy tasting menus at the Restaurant SOLC, treatments at the Majestic SPA or stays with breakfast for 2 people. On the other hand, Majestic and Fundació IRES already have an open draw to win one night in a suite for two people at the hotel by participating through the website of the campaign. And for the little ones, a dragon will be waiting for them at the door of the hotel to celebrate one of the most special days of the year.
Fulfilling wishes at El Palace Barcelona
The hotel Palace Barcelona has a very special proposal to celebrate Sant Jordi by uniting flowers, books and high gastronomy. The writers Pilarín Bayés, Jair Domínguez and Oriol Malet will be signing their works at the Art Suite Joan Miró from 17.00h until 21.00h. Meanwhile, the flowers will give off solidarity by joining forces with the Fundación Make a Wish, which works with children battling serious illnesses. By working hand in hand with medical teams, the foundation creates unique experiences through the foundation to spread excitement and strength. Thus, all the money raised will go to these projects.
Offering a rose, a small step that can bring a January result for those in need of a helping hand
With regard to gastronomy, visitors will have different options to choose from. From the heights of El Palace, the Rooftop Garden will host a special Sant Jordi menu during lunchtime (€75). Some of the dishes included are Sant Jordi bread, honeyed rice, glazed lamb or El Palace Barcelona rose. But if you prefer to skip the menu and go for a more informal meal, diners can choose from a tapas menu. The restaurant Amar Barcelona will offer an aperitif with seafood and grilled food accompanied by wines, as well as a special menu to celebrate the day (€145). On the other hand, the hall of the hotel will serve a menu for lunch and dinner (€75). In addition, from 16.00h to 19.00h, afternoon tea will be available while enjoying live piano music.
The power of shadows and reflections that awaken the dragon in The Barcelona Edition
The hotel The Barcelona Edition joins the Sant Jordi festivity in a special way, they have prepared an installation by the local artist Valeria Vasi in the lobby of the complex. The artist, fascinated by sculptures, has created an exclusive work inspired by the legend of the knight who plunged his sword into the dragon. Vasi has been working with geometries and simplicity for 4 years, taking care and delicacy when creating.
Artist Valeria Vasi with the red cocktail created together with Veraz bartenders, Roses of Blood
The material used to create the work was blown glass, inspired by the texture of the dragon’s scales. Thanks to the material of the transparent glass, the use of light makes it possible to play with shadows and reflections, giving the sensation of movement. As if the dragon were waking up and taking flight. Together with the artist and her work, the bartenders of Veraz have created the red cocktail Roses of Blood. A mix of rum, Italian aperitif, raspberry, lime and aquafaba. The installationwill be available from 21 to 28 April.
Kimpton Vividora transmits the power of art for Saint George’s Day
To finish the proposals for this Sant Jordi, the hotel Kimpton Vividora has joined forces with the SETBA Foundation, who use art to help people with difficulties, in this case, with mental health problems. In this way, the profits from each solidarity rose will be used to continue the work of research and stability. In addition, the foundation covers different social sections, promoting support for local art. Since Kimpton Vividora is something that unites them, as it is one of the values conveyed by the complex, to support young talent.
Roses and bookmarks will take centre stage on Book Day. Uniting the art of culture to transform society in a positive and egalitarian way.
To this end, they also participate with the foundation in its Nature is culture project, with which they create art in the midst of nature. The two Catalan locations where the interventions take place are the Torre dels Soldats d’Avinyó forest and the Viver d’Argentona estate. In addition, the essence of the children who form part of the Fundació Comtal will be present through bookmarks. And the fact is that the little ones are characterised by hope, struggle and imagination, and they have designed bookmarks that the hotel will give to all its guests.
Images provided by the brands mentioned
