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Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day) 2013

This year’s Pregó de la Lectura (inaugural proclamation) will be read by Albert Sánchez Piñol 

Once again Saint George’s Day really begins a day early. On Monday the 22nd, at 7 in the evening in the Saló de Cent de l'Ajuntament, the writer Albert Sánchez Piñol has been given the task of delivering the opening address, which on this occasion takes the form of a conversation with journalist Toni Soler. The event is open to the public though seating is limited.
 
As per usual, on the following day, the city will be inundated with roses and bookstalls and a host of activities have been programmed, including a BookCrossing organised by Museu Marès, where many books are liberated and the city itself is transformed into a gigantic library. As is customary, the city council (Ajuntament) opens its doors to the public, and entry is free between 10 am and 8 pm. In addition roses will be on sale in the interior patio and all benefits from the sales will go to charity.
 
All this and much more on this uniquely festive day which was first celebrated early in the 20th century on a date that has particular relevance for being the day in which many famous writers were either born or died – Shakespeare, Cervantes, Pla, Garcilaso, Nabokov, etc. Hence the tradition of ‘liberating’ books. The significance of the roses comes from the tales of Saint George and the dragon.
Publication date: Wednesday, 17 April 2013
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