Girona celebrated Sant Jordi's Day with a new layout for its traditional book and rose stalls, shifting much of the activity to Sant Francesc Avenue. Hundreds of people gathered across the city centre on 23 April 2026 to mark the beloved Catalan tradition.
The Girona City Council, in collaboration with local booksellers and florists, reduced the number of stalls in Catalunya Square. This decision was made "for safety" and to accommodate ongoing consolidation works on the square's platform, according to the source.
Carme Ferrer, spokesperson for the booksellers, expressed satisfaction with the new space. "We are very happy with the new space," Ferrer told reporters, while also stating a future hope to fully reoccupy Catalunya Square.
Over 170 stalls filled the heart of Girona for Sant Jordi's Day, with vendors looking skyward after a rainy eve. Ferrer confirmed that "all meteorologists have told us that it will not rain today and that we will be able to enjoy the day outdoors." From early morning, hundreds of people explored Catalunya Square, The Rambla, and for the first time, Sant Francesc Avenue, browsing books and choosing roses as tradition dictates.
Literary Tributes and Celebrations
The day commenced with the Generalitat's traditional literary breakfast, which honoured 101-year-old poet Isabel Oliva. Additionally, the City Council organised its first institutional act for Sant Jordi, paying tribute to writer Rosa Font Massot.
While the new layout on Sant Francesc Avenue proved successful for this year's Sant Jordi, booksellers like Ferrer anticipate a return to a full presence in Catalunya Square once safety concerns and construction works are resolved, ensuring the tradition continues to evolve with the city's needs.
