Lleida celebrated Sant Jordi Day with an expanded layout and a diverse cultural programme, as Mayor Fèlix Larrosa highlighted the city's commitment to cultural development and new initiatives. The Rambla de Ferran became the central hub for the traditional celebration of books and roses.
This year's Sant Jordi celebration in Lleida offered increased space and comfort for residents, with the Rambla de Ferran hosting a significant concentration of book and flower stalls. The reorganisation of the area allowed for a doubling of the available space, creating a more festive and accessible environment for visitors, according to the city council.
Mayor Larrosa, who participated in a literary breakfast, emphasised that Sant Jordi symbolises values that require year-round effort. He stated that "Lleida is a capital of talent and opportunities" and that "culture is the path to a freer, more civic, and more critical future," according to a statement from the city council. He also linked this year's event to the progress made in the city's cultural sphere.
The Mayor highlighted the recent approval of the Lleida Reading Plan, described as a key tool for promoting reading and strengthening critical thinking, which he considers fundamental for building a free and committed citizenry. He stressed the importance of reading, forming opinions, and continuing to express them.
Advancing Cultural Infrastructure
Another strategic project for Lleida's cultural future is the approved rehabilitation of the Cafè Teatre dels Camps Elisis. This emblematic venue will be restored for public enjoyment and will serve as a new space for publishing, reading, and literature. Furthermore, Mayor Larrosa announced the Generalitat government's commitment to support the Library for the Western Neighbourhoods project, located in Joc de la Bola, ensuring its funding alongside the Provincial Council (Diputació) for construction. The basic project is expected to be approved soon, allowing for "decisive steps" in creating a new, dynamic, open, and flexible space, he added.
A total of 225 stalls were set up across various locations in Lleida for Sant Jordi Day, representing a 20% increase from the previous year. Florists, booksellers, and associations filled the streets with activity. The professional stalls, including booksellers, publishers, and florists, were concentrated on the Rambla de Ferran. Avinguda de Francesc Macià was dedicated to various entities, including social and cultural associations, trade unions, and political parties. Other locations hosting stalls included Plaça de Sant Joan, Plaça de la Catedral, and Plaça de Ricard Viñes.
Beyond book presentations and literary activities, Lleida hosted a diverse cultural programme featuring different artistic disciplines, from music to traditional dances and exhibitions. The Morera Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art offered open doors from 4pm to 7pm, having recently been declared a Museum of National Interest by the government due to its century-long history and the quality of its collections. The museum also offered a 10% discount on its own publications throughout the day.
Live Music and Traditional Dances
From 5pm, the stage at the end of Rambla de Ferran showcased local talent, with performances promoted by El Mercat rehearsal spaces. The musical afternoon began with Damnor, redefining metal music through an introspective lens. At approximately 5.30pm, Ares Marchal, a young singer-songwriter combining technique and sensitivity, performed. The alternative pop group Blanco Cénit concluded the musical acts. At 7pm, the same stage hosted Cobla Tàrrega, providing music for the traditional Sardana dance.
Plaça de Sant Joan also featured activities organised by the Popular Athenaeum of Ponent. These included a stick dance workshop and demonstration by the Pla de l'Aigua Stick Dancers at 5.30pm, followed by the 35th Sant Jordi Dance Concert with Sonsoni from 7pm. Additionally, the 'Footprints' exhibition by sculptor Miguel Ángel González is on display at the Paeria Exhibition Hall until 30 June.
Sant Jordi activities in Lleida are scheduled to continue until 28 April. The Mayor, accompanied by Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Elderly Carlos Enjuanes, also participated in a solidarity initiative by the Friends of the Elderly Foundation. They delivered a book and a rose to Luis, a user of the organisation, as part of a programme designed to share the Sant Jordi festivities with elderly people living alone, ensuring they experience the day in company. The initiative aims to combat unwanted loneliness, according to the city council. The image for this year's Sant Jordi in Lleida was created by Andrea Caruceru, a student from EAM (Municipal Art School).
