BANYULS FÊTE PÂQUES ET LA SANT JORDI

From 9.30 am in the town: Goigs dels ous with the Orphéon Banyulenc

From 10am to 1pm: Sale of roses, bunyols and books in front of the Town Hall by El Foment de la sardana.

11.30am: Free pebble hunt organised by the town council, central beach.
Find the colourful pebbles on the beach and discover your chocolate surprise!

12.00: Easter omelette (traditional or vegetarian), central beach, organised by the Comité des Fêtes.


SANT JORDI, BETWEEN LOVE AND CULTURE
April 23 is Saint George's Day, or Sant Jordi in Catalan. It's a day to celebrate culture and love. Traditionally, Catalan lovers give each other a book and a red rose. But what for? We'll explain...

The legend of Sant Jordi
Legend has it that once upon a time, in Montblanc (Tarragona), a ferocious dragon capable of poisoning the air and killing with its breath frightened the townsfolk. The townsfolk, frightened and tired of its ravages and misdeeds, decided to deliver one person at random to it each day to appease its wrath. A few days later, bad luck struck the princess.
When the princess left her home to join the dragon, a knight named Sant Jordi, wearing shining armour, suddenly appeared on his white horse to rescue her. Sant Jordi raised his sword and pierced the dragon, freeing the princess and her people at last.
Out of the dragon's blood grew a rosebush, its roses the reddest ever seen. Sant Jordi, triumphant, plucked a rose and offered it to the princess.

World Book and Copyright Day
23 April is also World Book and Copyright Day, declared by UNESCO in 1995. This symbolic date for universal literature marks the passing of the writers William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. This day is a worldwide tribute to books and authors and encourages access to books for as many people as possible.

That's why, on this day, as well as giving roses, giving the gift of a book is a way of commemorating one of the most deeply-rooted traditions in Catalan culture. It has become a classic to go in search of the latest literary releases, special editions or even a dedication from your favourite author.

Explanations from www.casabatllo.es and unesco.org

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