Barcelona is preparing for a reimagined Sant Jordi celebration on 23 April, with activities distributed across a dozen locations in seven districts, moving beyond its traditional centrepiece, La Rambla.
The annual event, Catalonia's most romantic day and a celebration of books and roses, transforms streets into open-air bookstores and flower markets. This year's biggest change stems from ongoing construction on La Rambla, which has necessitated the relocation of stalls to nearby areas of Ciutat Vella.
A new central route for book and flower vendors will now extend from Portal de l’Àngel through Plaça Nova and Plaça de la Catedral to Via Laietana. Despite these adjustments, the Catalan Books Association anticipates a "very varied" celebration and strong public engagement, continuing a recent trend of growing participation.
Patrici Tixis, president of the Catalan Books Association, stated that the objective is not to "break records, but to make sure every reader finds the book they're looking for." Barcelona alone will host 425 stalls, according to organisers, including 364 dedicated to books.
Of these, 257 stalls will feature author signings, and 61 will sell flowers. Additionally, 130 bookstore-run stalls will operate directly outside shops. Passeig de Sant Joan will continue to serve as a hub for comics and children's and young adult literature, reflecting increasing demand from younger audiences and families.
Other districts, such as Les Corts, Sants-Montjuïc, and Guinardó, are also expanding their offerings, reinforcing the decentralisation of the celebration across the city. Barcelona's culture councilor, Xavier Marcé, described the current period for the book sector as "exceptional," noting that over 5,000 vendor licences have already been issued, a record for the city.
Sant Jordi Across Catalonia
Beyond the capital, towns and cities across Catalonia are adapting their Sant Jordi celebrations to local conditions while preserving tradition. In Girona, stalls will move to Sant Francesc Avenue due to construction in Plaça Catalunya.
Meanwhile, Vic and Manresa will return to their classic settings. Lleida will concentrate its activities along Rambla Ferran and Avinguda Francesc Macià, while Tarragona, Reus, and Tortosa will also host local editions tailored to their urban layouts.
Across the region, bookstores are already experiencing a pre-festival boost, with some municipalities permitting shops to set up stands a day early.
Preserving Tradition Amidst Change
The festival's identity remains central, even amidst recent debate. Author Eduardo Mendoza's suggestion to rename the holiday 'Book Day' was dismissed by Patrici Tixis, who emphasised the festival's deep roots in Catalan tradition and its unique cultural significance.
The official bestseller rankings for Sant Jordi will be released at 8.45pm on 23 April, providing a final highlight to Catalonia's most romantic day.
