Highlights
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Library of Catalonia
Open day until 7.30pm and audiovisual show about the centre's history and services. -
What are you reading?
The book forum with lots of competitions. You can write about books, reading and literature -
Rodoreda Year
Special website about the writer Mercè Rodoreda in the centenary of her birth. -
Literary awards
Check the calls for entries for literary awards in Catalan.
Institutional activities
The Catalan government is opening the doors of the Palau to the public for the Saint George's Day festivities. Those attending can visit the Sant Jordi Room and the Pati dels Tarongers and buy roses at the stalls set up in the gallery on the main floor.
Program of 2008
Official events
Giving books and roses on Saint George's Day is traditional throughout Catalonia. Saint George's Day is a civic festival in which the Catalan institutions participate by offering various activities. The traditional ones organised by the Government of Catalonia are mass in the chapel of Sant Jordi, celebrated by the Archbishop of Barcelona, and the blessing of roses in the Pati Gòtic of the Palau de la Generalitat.
There is also the traditional open day, both at the Palau de la Generalitat and the Parliament. In Barcelona, a rose stall is organised inside the Palau de la Generalitat. A group of organisations sells roses to visitors and the profits are given to charitable initiatives. Both visitors to the Palau and those walking around it can enjoy the music of the tubular bells, as there is a performance on this instrument for Saint George's Day, with popular, traditional music by Catalan composers.
Another event always held on Saint George's Day is the Catalan prime minister's reception for representatives from the political, economic and social worlds at the Palau de Pedralbes. Rose stalls are also set up there.
Meanwhile, the regional offices offer activities throughout the special day, such as text readings, breakfasts with writers, exhibitions, shows or concerts.