Photo: aerobusbarcelona.es
Every April 23, all of Catalonia celebrates Sant Jordi’s Day. It’s one of the most exciting days of the year when the cities fill with roses, books, and a lot of love in the air. In 2026, Sant Jordi’s Day falls on a Tuesday, and even though it’s a workday, everyone comes out to celebrate the patron saint of Catalonia.
In this article, you’ll find all the planned activities in Barcelona for Sant Jordi’s Day 2026. We’ll show you where to find the rose stands, book signings, the coolest creative gifts, and give you 9 plans to enjoy the day with your partner, family, or friends.
It’s a very romantic season when the streets, especially La Rambla, fill with book and rose stalls. Restaurants set the mood for the day.
Many famous buildings open their doors for free. There’s even the Medieval Week in Montblanc, the most important film festival of the year, and authors from all over the country come to sign books for their biggest fans. Are you going to miss it?
Sant Jordi’s Day in Catalonia is also like Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect time to have lunch or dinner and surprise your partner with a visit to a lovely restaurant. MANĀ 75 is charming with its Mediterranean decor and colors that remind you of a beautiful sunset.
The interior follows Feng Shui, which brings in positive energy. They specialize in paella but also serve tapas, seafood, meat dishes, and refreshing tropical cocktails.
La Barceloneta | Passeig de Joan de Borbó 101, Barcelona | Reserve your table in advance!
× Entrante
× Arroz
× Postre
× Café
Perfecto para probar la especialidad de la casa: LA PAELLA.
Traditionally, men give roses to women and women give books to men. Nowadays, people often exchange both, no matter who they are. Throughout Barcelona, you’ll see stands with red roses and books on the main streets like La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, and Gran Vía, as well as in other districts.
This year, 2026, will be unusual because, due to construction work, the book and rose stalls on La Rambla will be moved to La Rambla del Gòtic.
As usual, authors and journalists from across the country will fill the streets, libraries, and bookstores to sign copies of their latest releases.
The main locations will be Plaça Catalunya, La Casa del Libro on Passeig de Gràcia, Passeig de Sant Joan, L’Illa Diagonal Shopping Center, La Central Bookstore, and Carrer Mallorca with Pau Claris.
Some of the most anticipated authors this year include María Dueñas, Dolores Redondo, Javier Sierra, among others.
A few days before the event, each publisher will announce the time, location, and authors who will be signing books.
In the following links you will find the schedules and locations for all of them.
Montblanc is the town where the legend of Sant Jordi began. Visiting Montblanc is like traveling back in time to the Middle Ages, especially during its Medieval Week from April 19 to 28, 2026. The town transforms into a medieval scene with battle reenactments, period costumes, medieval markets, and even concerts of ancient music. Don’t miss the reenactment of the Sant Jordi legend—a unique chance to experience history up close!
Besides being a special day for lovers, Sant Jordi’s Day is also a great excuse to enjoy tapas with your family. Try out the best tapas bars in the city:
You can also read: The Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona: Complete Guide
April 23 is the perfect day to treat yourself to books. Many bookstores in Barcelona feature special editions or hidden gems on this day. Also, many authors come to the city to sign their books, often setting up in places like Passeig de Gràcia, Plaza Universidad, Plaza Reial, or Plaza Catalunya. Check the announcements from each publisher for the time, place, and which authors will be signing.
Must-Visit Bookstores: Nollegiu , Finestres , La Carbonera
Red mullet and squid rice with basil alioli. A fresh, aromatic rice with deep sea flavour.
Only in May.
Sant Jordi’s Day is not just about books and roses. The 10th edition of the Barcelona-Sant Jordi International Film Festival (BCN Film Fest) will be held from April 16 to 26, 2026. This year, the festival focuses on literature, history, and educational films. The official section of the festival will feature around 70 titles, including Spanish premieres of international films.
Tickets: Available from April 5 | Website: BCN Film Fest
Catalonia’s vineyards are a must-see experience. Known for some of the best wine regions in the country, a wine tasting at a famous winery is a perfect plan for Sant Jordi 2026. This experience is great for a romantic getaway, a fun day out with friends, or a family visit. Whether you prefer sparkling, red, or white wine, there’s something for everyone.
Learn more about the best vineyards and wineries near Barcelona.
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to disconnect completely from the busy city life. Barcelona is full of spas and bathhouses that offer complete experiences for couples, families, or private groups. Choose one of these hidden gems in Catalonia and book your relaxing day now.
Discover the best spas and bathhouses within 50 km of Barcelona.
The well-known story of Saint George fighting the dragon and saving the princess dates back to the 13th century with the publication of the “Golden Legend” by the friar Iacoppo da Varazza. This book was a bestseller in the Middle Ages and had a big influence on art and literature.
Today, there are more than 60 different versions of the legend. Some tell of a female dragon instead of a male one, a Sant Jordi who values friendship over fighting, or even a Santa Jordina who saves herself without waiting for a knight.
A wicked dragon once terrorized the town of Montblanc. The dragon ate the town’s animals, and when they were gone, the king decided that each day one citizen would be given to the dragon. One day, the king’s daughter was chosen. Brave but sad, she went into the forest to face her fate. There, she met Jordi, a courageous knight who promised to save her.
Jordi fought the dragon and defeated it by tying it with the princess’s belt. Together, they brought the dragon to the town square, where Jordi finally defeated it. At the spot where the dragon died, a rose bush of red roses grew. Jordi gave a red rose to the princess, and the people of Montblanc celebrated their victory.
Sant Jordi’s Day is one of the most eagerly awaited dates of the year for all Catalans. We love celebrating our traditions where love, culture, and history come together.
This April 23, don’t miss out! Enjoy all the activities that Barcelona has planned for you. Go to a book signing, visit iconic buildings, and buy the brightest red roses for your loved ones. And if you want more than just a rose, why not enjoy a romantic evening at Maná 75, a restaurant that’s perfect for sharing this special day with the people you care about most.
Wishing you a Happy Sant Jordi’s Day!
Lover of Mediterranean gastronomy and Barcelona's culture. Full time taster of new flavors, places and experiences.
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