Catalonia’s Day of Books and Roses to be held on July 23

Every year for April 23 the streets are full of book stands and rose vendors in honor of Sant Jordi – or Saint George – the patron saint of Catalonia. Every year except for this year, that is, as the holiday for book and romance lovers has been yet another one of the many events that have had to be canceled or postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 public health crisis.

Sant Jordi enthusiasts should not despair all too soon, though, as the Catalan book chamber and flower vendors guild announced on Tuesday that the 2020 date would be held on July 23 rather than April 23 as is customary. The organizers have stated, however, that they believe that “social distancing measures will still have to be heeded to protect everyone’s health” in July.

As for April 23, the Catalan book chamber and flower vendors guild encourage everyone to celebrate Sant Jordi “at home” and remind everyone that while physical bookstores may have to remain closed, books can still be purchased from their websites.