On the eve of the annual festival of books and roses in Catalonia, a heated debate has erupted that could transform the way one of the region’s most recognizable cultural events is seen. Prominent writer Eduardo Mendoza has made a surprising proposal: to abandon the traditional name Diada de Sant Jordi and refer to April 23 exclusively as Book Day. He made this statement in Barcelona while presenting his new book, immediately sparking widespread discussion among cultural figures and politicians.
According to Mendoza, the link between Sant Jordi and literature appears artificial and lacks historical grounds. He emphasized that the saint had no connection to books or writing, and in the author’s words, his image does not reflect the essence of the holiday. Mendoza pointed out that San Francisco de Sales is actually regarded as the patron of writers, and the tradition of associating Sant Jordi with books emerged much later. As reported by El Pais, the writer even announced plans to launch a campaign to rename the festival, aiming to highlight its literary focus.
Public reaction
Mendoza’s comments triggered intense debate within Catalan society. Many in cultural and political circles saw his remarks as a challenge to established traditions. On social media and in the press, people are debating whether it makes sense to separate the literary celebration from the historical figure of Sant Jordi, who has long been a symbol of Catalan identity. Some believe such initiatives risk eroding cultural roots, while others support the idea of renewing and rethinking traditions.
Particular attention was drawn to Mendoza’s criticism of the saint himself, whom he called ‘closer to animals than to humans’ and questioned his literacy. These remarks sparked a wave of discussion not only among literature enthusiasts but also among those who see Sant Jordi as an important element of Catalan history. According to El Pais, such statements have rarely been made so openly on the eve of the holiday, which only increased public interest in the topic.
Historical context
The tradition of celebrating Diada de Sant Jordi in Catalonia dates back to the Middle Ages, when the saint was considered the protector of the region. Over time, the holiday acquired a literary aspect: in the 20th century, the custom of giving books and roses was added. However, experts note that the original connection between Sant Jordi and books was not so obvious. Mendoza’s proposed rethinking of the holiday could spark a broad discussion about the role of symbols in Catalonia’s contemporary culture.
In recent years, questions of identity and preservation of traditions have been increasingly discussed in Spain. Public debates over symbols and holidays have become part of a broader conversation about the future of the region. Analysis by russpain.com suggests that such disputes could lead to new forms of celebration that take into account both historical and modern realities.
Similar cases
In recent years, debates have repeatedly arisen in Spain over the rethinking of traditional holidays and symbols. For instance, there has been discussion about changing the format of Constitution Day and All Saints’ Day celebrations. Some regions have proposed updating symbols or renaming commemorative dates to make them more relevant for contemporary society. These processes often spark lively debate and divide public opinion, highlighting the strong significance of cultural symbols for Spaniards.
