Catalunya has its own celebration too, as in the region 23^rd April is their patron saint’s day Saint George. The festival of Sant Jordi has taken placed since the 15^th Century, originally, men were given books and women a red rose. Tradition has evolved and books and roses are now exchanged between couples, friends and families. The region sees many book fairs and pop-up stalls set up all over and generally it is a great occasion where people buy books for each other, have the chance to meet their favourite authors and share reviews and ideas. The streets are buzzing and main buildings are open for visits and guided tours and decorated with red roses. In the picture below, taken by my friend Cristina, you can see one of Barcelona’s iconic buildings, La Casa Batló, dressed for the occasion. The environment is jubilous as everyone takes the streets. Bookshops have stalls outside and schools prepare special activities such as poetry readings, writing competitions and plays. Everyone has fun around books and stories!