BARCELONA, Spain, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Large crowds filled the Spanish city of Barcelona on Thursday as people took to the streets to celebrate Sant Jordi, a traditional festival combining romance and reading.
The popular festival sees loved ones exchange roses and books purchased from the numerous stalls that line the city's streets. The legend of Sant Jordi, which tells how the knight defeated the dragon to save the princess and how a rose sprang from its blood, is the symbolic origin of this celebration.
The tradition of presenting a loved one with a rose at the Sant Jordi festival dates back to the 15th century, while the custom of gifting books was introduced in the early 20th century, creating a unique tradition that continues to grow in popularity.
"We are out walking around because today is Sant Jordi. It's a very important day for Catalonia, because it is like our second national day, and we like it so much because we give books and roses as gifts," Barcelona resident Rosa Santamaria told Xinhua, holding a book and a rose.
Visitors also joined the celebrations. Izam Blanes, who was in the city with his girlfriend Mar Serrano, said the occasion has become more meaningful to him in recent years. Serrano said she has cherished the festival since childhood.
Often compared to Saint Valentine's Day due to its romantic aspect, Sant Jordi is also a key date for the Catalan publishing sector, accounting for 20 percent of annual book sales.
The festival gained international recognition in 1995, when UNESCO designated April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day.
"It's a day to promote reading ... It is both love and reading," said bookstall owner Pep Giner.
Some 6,000 stalls selling books and roses were set up this year, totaling nearly 4 km of sales points spread across the city's 10 districts.
The book and flower guilds of Catalonia expect sales of about 2 million books, generating 26 million euros this year (about 30.4 million U.S. dollars). Around 7 million roses are also expected to be sold, with a value of 25 million euros (29 million dollars).
