Tortosa, in the Terres de l'Ebre region, celebrated Sant Jordi with dozens of book and rose stalls filling its historic and commercial centre, attracting large crowds despite overcast skies and light rain. According to the ACN news agency, the weather did not deter the significant turnout for one of the most participatory festivals in the Ebre capital.
More than eighty stalls offered a colourful display, drawing residents from across the territory. "It's the most festive day of the year, people come out into the street, they are much happier, the cafés are much fuller," remarked Núria and Marta, who were searching for children's books at La Irreal bookshop, laden with roses.
Júlia Albesa, the owner of La Irreal bookshop, confirmed "very busy" conditions and strong morning sales, suggesting many people were buying gifts for loved ones to present at lunchtime. Albesa also highlighted the large presence of schoolchildren, noting, "It's very beautiful to see how excited children are by paper, an object that has been sentenced to death many times and that continues to be more alive than ever."
Local Authors Lead Sales
Among the most popular books in Ebre bookshops were those by media personalities, trending new releases recommended on social media, especially among young people, and particularly new works by local authors. These included Josep Pitarch's 'Arriembanda', Bernat Navarro's 'Veschi', and David Tormo's photographic collection on the Battle of the Ebre. Albesa expressed that it would be "catastrophically brilliant if everyone asked for backlist books," but acknowledged that new releases are the most requested on Sant Jordi.
Author Xabier Coluig, who was signing books in Tortosa, expressed his excitement about experiencing Sant Jordi in the city again after many years. Coluig was presenting 'Tapissos' (Tapestries), a collection of short stories that are also being adapted into short films in the United States, where he resides. He noted a shift in his writing, stating, "The books I have written until now spoke of the Ebre, more specifically of Tortosa, in an obvious way. Now, starting with this book, I do it in a slightly more veiled way. I speak of rivers, of medium-sized cities, but I have not done it in such a specific way. I play a bit more with the reader from this moment on."
New Literary Route Engages Young Readers
A new addition to Tortosa's Sant Jordi celebrations this year was a literary route featuring texts by Manuel Pérez Bonfill, displayed in the windows of 35 establishments in the commercial centre. Jordi Pérez, the son of the professor and writer, emphasised the initiative's importance in bringing literature to younger generations. City schools brought their pupils to discover the route and the educator's work.
Jordi Pérez stressed the importance of generational engagement, stating, "It is extremely important for there to be a generational handover and that when there is an event of this type, you don't only see white hairs. These boys and girls who are here should read, they should write, they should be less on TikTok and less on social media, as all that only makes things worse."
Mayor Highlights Cultural Significance
Mayor Mar Lleixà described the day as "very special," noting that it also served to remember the figure of Gerard Vergés, as it is the Year of Pérez Bonfill, and a tribute to Zoraida Burgos was planned for the following day. The mayor expressed the council's intention to continue the literary route in future years with new authors. Lleixà also stated that Tortosa would experience "the most Catalan Sant Jordi ever," with a demonstration for the language and the arrival of the Correllengua Agermanat (Sistered Correllengua). "It will be a complete celebration," she added.
