Sant Jordi Book Fair

Sant Jordi, the Catalan festival of the book and the rose

Sant Jordi (Saint George) is one of the most emblematic celebrations of Catalan culture, traditionally held on April 23. According to tradition, men give a rose to their loved one and women give a book to their beloved, symbolizing love, culture and knowledge. This celebration, deeply rooted in both Southern Catalonia and Northern Catalonia (Pyrenees-Orientales), has been recognized by UNESCO as World Book and Copyright Day. In Le Boulou, the Sant Jordi Committee perpetuates this beautiful tradition with a rich program including a book fair, music, castells and Catalan refreshments.

A book fair in the Catalan spirit

The Brocanteria de Llibres ("book fair" in Catalan) is held in the morning, from 9am to noon, in the center of Le Boulou. Individuals and literature lovers can sell their used books on free tables, with no registration fee. Novels, poetry, children's books, art books, works in Catalan, French and Spanish find buyers at low prices. The atmosphere is special: among the stalls, Catalan music echoes, fougasses are sold and roses circulate. It's a unique moment that mixes literature, tradition and friendliness.

Castells, music and traditions

The book fair is part of a larger festive program. Around 11am, the castellers (teams of human tower builders) erect their impressive human towers, a spectacular Catalan tradition listed as UNESCO intangible heritage. Traditional Catalan music groups (cobles, havaneras) liven up the day. Visitors can taste fougasses (traditional "pa amb oli" or bread with olive oil and tomato), buy roses and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Cultural activities continue throughout the day, making Sant Jordi a must-attend event for Catalan culture lovers.

Le Boulou, crossroads of the two Catalonias

Le Boulou is a commune of around 5,700 inhabitants located at the foot of the Alberes massif, on the Spanish border. Capital of the Alberes, the town is a crossroads between France and Spain, historically linked to Southern Catalonia. This strategic position explains the importance of Catalan traditions that remain vibrant here. Le Boulou is also known for its thermal waters, its religious heritage (12th-century Saint Mary's church) and its ideal location between the Mediterranean Sea, vineyards and Pyrenean mountains. The Sant Jordi festival takes on a special significance here, celebrating Catalan identity in all its richness.