From CIS Sierra we want to wish you a good day of Sant Jordi!
Tradition since the fifteenth century, although then only celebrated by the aristocracy, on April 23 the legend of the knight Saint George is celebrated. The streets of the towns and cities of Catalonia are filled with people walking among the many stops of roses and books and lovers show their love with the exchange of gifts.
The legend of Saint George
The legend tells the story of a village frightened by the presence of a dragon. The dragon with its foul and poisonous breath frightened and made the whole town sick. Finally, in a council among the citizens, they decided to give the beast two lambs every day so that it would not bother them. The beast was satisfied for a time. One day, however, the lambs ran out, as well as the horses and oxen, and the citizens were forced to make a terrible decision. Each day they would sacrifice a child under 15 years of age that would be chosen by lottery.
There came a day, however, when the king's daughter, the princess, was elected. The king, very distressed, asked the people to forgive their daughter's life in exchange for all the wealth and goods that he possessed. The dragon, however, did not distinguish between the princess and the rest of the children, and for this reason, the king was forced in the end to give his daughter to the dragon. He dressed her in white and accompanied her to the door, where he said goodbye to the princess. The very sad princess, walked to where the dragon was, waiting for his terrible fate.
It was at that moment when a knight in armor appeared riding on a white horse, who after an intense battle, managed to kill the dragon. The princess could not believe it, and thanked the knight as the dragon's blood was scattered around them.
Just at that moment, from the dragon's blood began to come out all of bright red roses like the dragon's own blood.
The knight chose the most beautiful of all and offered it to the princess. Together they returned to town among the cheers of the citizens and where the king congratulated the knight for his great feat.
What to do in Girona for Sant Jordi?
Although the day of Sant Jordi is working for the workers and lectures for the students, the streets are filled equally. In Girona, from 10 am you will find the typical stalls of roses and books from the Catalunya Square to the Independence Square.
Also, you can find in the city, other activities such as:
Dancing of Sant Jordi in the Civic Space Mercadal
Dance organized by the Association of Elders of the Barri Vell-Mercadal with David Magem. All attendees will receive a free rose and piece of cake.
Where: Civic Space Mercadal
When: 17h
Price: Free
Sardanas
In the Independence Square, the Cobla Mil·lenaria will perform the songs Aplec Marítim, Cants de Maig, 5 d'Agost, Estelades al Vent, De tots Colors amb Festa d'Estiu.
Where: Independence Square
When: 18h
Price: Free
Sant Jordi with the Union
Poetry recital by the Union followed by a micro session open to all.
Where: Pont Major Civic Center
When: 18h
Price: free
From CIS Sierra we want you to spend a very good day full of roses and books!