Barcelona’s Valentine’s Day… But in April?
Main photo: www.casabatllo.es | Edit: Spanishtrails
Dreaming of a romantic getaway to Barcelona for Valentine’s Day? It’s a perfect idea for spending a special day with your loved one! But if February 14th has passed too quickly or it’s already too late to plan a last-minute trip to Barcelona, don’t worry – in Catalonia, love is celebrated even more passionately, but… on a different date!
In Spain, just like in many other countries around the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. It’s a day when couples share romantic moments, go out for dinner, exchange gifts, and celebrate love. Although this holiday is very popular today, it arrived in Spain relatively late – only in the mid-20th century. Its widespread popularity is credited to the department store chain Galerías Preciados, which saw it as a great opportunity to boost sales.
Sant Jordi – The Catalan Valentine’s Day
Catalonia has its own unique celebration of love – Sant Jordi’s Day (La Diada de Sant Jordi), which takes place on April 23rd. It is one of the most important and romantic days in the region. According to tradition, men give women red roses, while women gift books in return. This custom is inspired by the legend of Saint George (Sant Jordi).
According to the legend, long ago, the people of Montblanc were terrorized by a fearsome dragon. To keep the beast at bay, they sacrificed animals, and when those ran out, they started offering human sacrifices. One day, the lot fell on the king’s daughter. Just as she was about to be devoured, a brave knight named Sant Jordi appeared and fought the dragon. After a fierce battle, he finally defeated the monster, and from its blood grew a bush of red roses. Sant Jordi picked the most beautiful flower and gave it to the rescued princess.
On April 23rd, the streets of Barcelona turn into lively marketplaces filled with bookstalls and flower vendors. Throughout the city, book signings, literary workshops, and artistic events take place, while locals eagerly buy books and roses for their loved ones, friends, and family. Sant Jordi’s Day is not only a celebration of love but also an important day for Catalan culture and language. The tradition of exchanging books dates back to the 1920s, and its popularity led UNESCO to declare April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day.
La Rambla in Barcelona, full of book and flower stalls, is the main meeting point, especially on Sant Jordi’s Day, when Catalan language and culture are promoted. | photo: www.barcelona.cat
It’s also the perfect occasion to visit iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló, whose architecture is inspired by the legend of Sant Jordi. And if you want to experience this special day to the fullest, we’d love to take you on a tour around Barcelona to show you how the city celebrates this unique tradition!
Other Love Celebrations in Spain
Sant Dionís – Valencia’s Valentine’s Day:
In Valencia, love is celebrated on October 9th, coinciding with the Día de la Comunidad Valenciana and the feast of Sant Dionís. On this day, men traditionally gift their loved ones marzipan sweets, wrapped in decorative scarves called La Mocadorà. This custom symbolizes both love and the wealth of the region, as the marzipan figures represent local fruits and vegetables.
Fiesta de las Bodas de Isabel in Teruel:
Casa Batlló | photo: www.casabatllo.es
In the Spanish city of Teruel, an extraordinary four-day festival called Fiesta de las Bodas de Isabel takes place in the third week of February. This event commemorates the tragic love story of Diego de Marcilly and Isabel de Segura. Legend has it that Diego wanted to marry Isabel, but her father set a condition – he had to amass a fortune within five years. When Diego failed to return in time, Isabel was married off to another man. The day after her wedding, Diego finally came back, and when Isabel refused to kiss him, he died of heartbreak. Overcome with grief, Isabel kissed his lifeless body and suddenly collapsed, dying on the spot. Every year, this tale is reenacted in Teruel, with actors bringing the dramatic events to life. The festival concludes with a grand procession carrying the “bodies” of the star-crossed lovers, attracting visitors from all over Spain.
Casa Batlló | photo: www.casabatllo.es
Singles’ Day – An Alternative to Valentine’s Day
Not everyone celebrates love as a couple! In Spain, February 13th – the day before Valentine’s Day – is known as El Día de los Solteros (Singles’ Day). This alternative to the traditional celebration of love gives single people a chance to embrace their independence and enjoy life to the fullest.
Spain – The Perfect Destination for a Romantic Valentine’s Getaway
Spain is a country full of passion, love, and extraordinary traditions dedicated to romance. There are countless ways to celebrate love, whether with a romantic dinner featuring Spanish wine and tapas, a leisurely stroll through Barcelona surrounded by thousands of roses, or even taking part in the vibrant Carnival celebrations in the Canary Islands or Cádiz. Everyone will find something special here to make this day unforgettable.