Every year on April 23rd, Barcelona erupts in a celebration of chivalry
and romance. It all began in the Middle Ages with an annual Festival of
Roses to honor St. George, Patron Saint of Catalonia. A brave Roman
soldier, he allegedly slew a dragon about to devour a beautiful young
princess. According to legend, a rosebush then sprouted from the blood
of the slain dragon and the soldier plucked its most perfect blossoms to
give to the princess as a remembrance. In 1923, the traditional Rose
Festival merged with UNESCO’s World Book Day, established to celebrate
the lives of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, both of whom
died on April 23rd in 1616. Now, bookstalls and flower stands sprout up
along the Rambla, a two-mile stretch connecting the city with the
Mediterranean Sea. Thousands of Barcelonans crowd the streets to enjoy a
festive atmosphere of readings, music, literature, and dance.
The
Tattered Cover is delighted to honor this springtime celebration of
culture, beauty, intelligence, and love. Complimentary roses and
bookmarks will be available on April 23 with the purchase of a book;
while supplies last. As always, we’ll be happy to turn your purchases
into lovely wrapped gifts at no extra charge.
Want to know more? Click HERE.
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