Dia de Sant Jordi

In the Maresme region, Dia de Sant Jordi on April 23rd is a vibrant celebration of love, literature, and Catalan culture. Streets in towns and villages come alive with stalls offering books and roses, embracing the tradition where men gift roses to women and women present books to men. This custom has evolved, and it’s now common for both genders to exchange both items. ​

Local festivities often include craft workshops, games, concerts, and activities suitable for all ages, fostering a communal atmosphere. A culinary highlight is the Pa de Sant Jordi, a farmer’s bread made with Mahón cheese and sobrasada, designed to display the four bars of the Catalan flag when sliced. This bread is also popular during other Catalan celebrations like the National Day on September 11th. ​

In Mataró, the capital of Maresme, Sant Jordi is marked not only on April 23rd but also during the preceding weekend. The city hosts a range of cultural events, including gatherings of traditional Catalan giants (gegants), fire runs (correfocs), and human towers (castells). Unique to Mataró is the Llibre Gegant de Contes, an event where local authors and illustrators collaborate to create a giant book of stories. ​

Overall, Sant Jordi in Maresme is a day where the community comes together to celebrate affection, literature, and cultural heritage, making it one of the most cherished festivities in the region.​