A Rose For Love And A Book Forever

Valentine's Day in Spain, or "El día del amor y la amistad" - the day of love and friendship - is celebrated much like in many other countries around the world. Restaurants are often booked up weeks in advance, cards and flowers are exchanged, and many a marriage proposal is made. 

In Barcelona, citizens have two days when lovers can exchange gifts. La Dia de Sant Jordi (St George's Day) is Catalonia's national day and is celebrated on April 23rd. Spanish men honor St. George's romantic gesture of saving a princess from the clutches of an evil dragon by heroically buying their loved ones a book. It is also said that this tradition more than likely is derived from the fact that William Shakespeare died on this day in 1616. The holiday is also known as El Dia de la Rosa (The Day of the Rose) or El Dia del Libre (The Day of the Book), inspired by the Catalan saying “A rose for love and a book forever.”

Valencia has a day dedicated to celebrating romance as well called The Day of San Dionisio on October 9th where the traditional gift is fruit-shaped marzipan wrapped in a handkerchief, usually bought by men for their wives and mothers. The day is also marked by many festivities including costumed parades held in the main plaza of every town and village.

While much of the country is entranced by the copious amount of love in the air, there are those immune to the season’s charm and believe that the holiday was invented to boost consumerism. Some Spaniards refer to Valentine’s Day as the Día de El Corte Inglés (Day of Corte Inglés), their main department store. So romantic.

How might you celebrate El Dia del Libre if you were in Spain? Perhaps with A Rose for Love and a Book Forever?  While we can't transport you to Spain, we'd love to celebrate with you in NYC with a FREE event! Click below to gain access.