Celebrating Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava

On the Diada de Sant Jordi, the Costa Brava comes alive with book markets, rose stalls, and a shared celebration of Catalan culture.

Sant Jordi is celebrated throughout Catalonia. Photo by Dario Fernandez Ruz.

Every 23rd April, Catalonia transforms into a sea of books and roses in honour of Sant Jordi, the region’s patron saint. While Barcelona is famous for its grand celebrations, the Costa Brava offers a more intimate and scenic setting to experience this beloved tradition. With medieval towns, picturesque coastal villages, and lively street markets, Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava is a unique blend of literature, romance, and culture.

But what makes this day so special? Why do Catalans exchange books and roses? And where are the best places to celebrate along the Costa Brava? Whether you’re a book lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a magical cultural experience, this guide will show you how to enjoy Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava to the fullest.

The history and traditions of Sant Jordi

Sant Jordi, known in English as Saint George, has been Catalonia’s patron saint since the Middle Ages. The legend tells of a fearsome dragon terrorising a kingdom until a brave knight, Sant Jordi, defeated it, saving the princess and the people. From the dragon’s spilled blood, a rose bush bloomed, leading to the tradition of gifting roses on this day.

The custom of exchanging books, however, has a more recent origin. In the 1920s, a bookseller in Barcelona proposed 23rd April as a day to promote literature, coinciding with the deaths of Cervantes and Shakespeare. This idea took hold, and decades later, it helped inspire UNESCO’s World Book Day. Today, the diada de Sant Jordi is a celebration of love and culture, where couples, friends, and family exchange books and roses as symbols of affection and appreciation.

Though Barcelona is at the heart of the festivities, towns and villages across the Costa Brava also embrace the tradition, often with a more relaxed and local feel.

Where to celebrate the diada de Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava

Sant Jordi isn’t just a festival for major cities—it’s celebrated everywhere across Catalonia. In every town, from the smallest villages to the larger coastal hubs, you’ll see flower stalls lining the streets, bookshops with special displays, and people out and about, choosing books and roses for loved ones. Unlike Valentine’s Day, which is more private, Sant Jordi is a public celebration where everyone gets involved. In larger towns, you’ll find bustling book markets with local authors and cultural events, while in smaller places, the day is marked with charming street stalls and community gatherings.

Girona

Girona is one of the best places in the Costa Brava to experience Sant Jordi. The city’s medieval streets fill with bookstalls, flower vendors, and cultural events, creating a lively but charming atmosphere. The Onyar River’s colourful houses and the historic Jewish Quarter provide a beautiful setting for the day’s celebrations. Plaça de la Independència and La Rambla de la Llibertat are the main hubs for booksellers and rose stands, while local authors often make appearances for signings.

Figueres

Home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres brings an artistic touch to Sant Jordi. The town hosts book fairs, poetry readings, and theatrical performances, often with a surrealist edge in honour of Salvador Dalí. The streets around La Rambla and Plaça de l’Ajuntament are filled with stalls selling books and roses, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy the day at a slower pace.

Palafrugell

For a more intimate and local celebration, Palafrugell is an excellent choice. This coastal town has a strong literary tradition, and its Sant Jordi festivities reflect that. In addition to bookstalls and flower markets, Palafrugell often hosts open-air concerts, storytelling sessions, and local gastronomy events. It’s a great option if you want to escape the larger crowds but still enjoy an authentic experience.

Cadaqués

With its whitewashed houses and sea views, Cadaqués offers one of the most scenic settings for Sant Jordi. While the celebrations here are smaller, they feel special, with a focus on local authors and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Strolling through the town, picking up a book, and enjoying a coffee by the sea makes for a perfect way to spend the day.

Other towns worth visiting

• Blanes – A lively but less crowded alternative to Girona, with book markets and rose stalls set against the backdrop of its beautiful coastline.
• Tossa de Mar – A romantic spot to celebrate Sant Jordi, with its medieval castle and quiet beaches providing a stunning setting.
• L’Escala – Known for its historical charm and seafront promenades, L’Escala’s book fairs and cultural events make it a great choice for literature lovers.

No matter where you go in the Costa Brava, Sant Jordi is everywhere. From the biggest cities to the smallest villages, people take to the streets to celebrate books, roses, and Catalan culture.

Best things to do during Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava

Sant Jordi is a day for everyone—whether you’re a book lover, a romantic, or simply someone who enjoys being part of local traditions. Across the Costa Brava, the festival comes to life in book markets, flower stalls, cultural events, and lively streets filled with people exchanging gifts. Here are some of the best ways to experience it.

The day of books and rose. Photo by Dario Fernandez Ruz.

Explore book markets

In larger towns like Girona, Figueres, and Palafrugell, you’ll find streets lined with bookstalls selling everything from bestsellers to rare finds. Many stalls feature local authors, who are often on hand for signings and conversations. Whether you’re looking for a Catalan classic or a new favourite, browsing these markets is one of the best ways to soak up the festival’s literary spirit.

Buy and gift roses

The streets are filled with flower stalls selling red roses wrapped in the senyera (the Catalan flag). Giving a rose is a deeply rooted tradition, originally meant as a romantic gesture but now exchanged between friends, family members, and even colleagues. Many florists also sell more elaborate arrangements, and in some places, you’ll find roses made from wood or fabric as keepsakes.

Attend literary events

Sant Jordi is a major day for books in Catalonia, and many towns host readings, discussions, and meet-the-author events. Bookshops and cultural centres often organise talks and presentations, offering a great chance to hear from Catalan and Spanish writers. Some events are held outdoors, making the most of the warm spring weather.

Try Catalan specialities

With so many people out celebrating, cafés and bakeries get into the spirit by offering special Sant Jordi-themed treats. Some places serve Sant Jordi bread, a striped loaf made with sobrasada and cheese to resemble the Catalan flag. Others create themed desserts, such as cakes decorated with roses or book-shaped pastries. It’s a great excuse to take a break from the crowds and enjoy a snack with a view.

Sant Jordi in the Costa Brava isn’t just a festival to watch—it’s one to take part in. Whether you’re choosing a book, picking out the perfect rose, or listening to a live reading in a town square, the joy of the celebration comes from being part of it.

A festival of romance, culture, and tradition

The diada de Sant Jordi is more than just a day for books and roses—it’s a celebration of Catalan identity, shared traditions, and the joy of giving. Unlike other romantic holidays, it isn’t limited to couples. Instead, it’s a day when everyone takes part, filling the streets with life, conversation, and appreciation for literature.

In the Costa Brava, Sant Jordi has an added charm. Whether you’re wandering through the book markets of Girona, choosing a rose in a small coastal town, or listening to a poetry reading in Figueres, the festival feels both deeply cultural and warmly personal. Against the backdrop of medieval streets and Mediterranean views, it’s a day to slow down, connect with others, and take in the beauty of Catalonia in springtime.

If you find yourself in the Costa Brava this 23rd April, step outside, join the crowds, and be part of Sant Jordi—because there’s no better way to experience the heart of Catalan culture.

Tags: Diada de Sant Jordi, Sant Jordi