Tuesday April 23rd marks World Book Day and ‘Diada de Sant Jordi’ (Saint George’s Day) the Catalonian celebration of love and literature. In addition to story-telling and literary events across the island, hundreds of stalls selling roses and books will pop up in Palma, with authors reading and signing, and booksellers sharing recommendations and offering once-a-year Sant Jordi-exclusive discounts.
But why is Sant Jordi, Patron Saint of Catalonia, celebrated with the gift of a book or a rose? And why #BooksandRoses?
The legend of Sant Jordi tells the tale of a brave knight, a white horse, a beautiful princess, and a fearsome dragon. Sant Jordi, a Christian soldier of the Roman Empire, died on April 23rd 303 AD, but some 600 years ago the tale of a dragon emerged, and as legend grew it became customary to commemorate the Saint’s death with the gift of a red rose – a symbol of the slain dragon’s blood, and Sant Jordi’s love and honour.
Book Day itself originated in Spain in 1923 when Vincente Clavel, a Valencian editor living in Barcelona organised a local festival to promote books and reading. In 1931 this celebration was moved to coincide with Diada de Sant Jordi, marking the anniversary of the death of two literary giants, Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. In 1995, UNESCO officially declared this World Book & Copyright Day.
To celebrate Sant Jordi, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite independent bookshops in central Palma where you can celebrate the magic of children’s literature on April 23rd and throughout the year.
Palma’s Top 10 Children’s Bookshops:
- little rata – a treasure trove of children’s books with a beautifully curated puzzle & game selection, perfect for gifting.
- La Salina – a cosy, curated bookstore in St Catalina with a multilingual kids corner that includes English, French and German books. They also run monthly Family reading events.
- Come In – Palma’s English book store run by a helpful team with a super selection of fiction and non-fiction for all ages.
- Llibreria Baobab – a big, friendly children’s bookstore with a small selection in English, an honesty bar and a cosy reading area.
- Llibreria Drac Magic – an inspired curation of children’s reading and reference books with a small selection in English.
- La Librera Del Savoy – A stylish little spot in the centre of town with a well-stocked children’s corner.
- Espai Caramulls – a brilliant children’s bookshop with a thoughtful selection of games and wooden toys, and with a super space for family activities and events including yoga and storytelling.
- La Biblioteca de Babel – a treasure trove of a bookshop in the heart of old town Palma. The children’s selection is small but the bursting shelves emanate a love for reading that will inspire minds young and old. You can browse the pages of your new read at their beautiful terrace cafe & bar, and afterwards make sure to pop into the magical land of neighbouring concept store En Mi Maleta – a doll’s house come to life with miniatures and mice.
- Librería Agapea – Not independent but a small chain, this very well stocked bookstore has a small reading area for pre-schoolers while you browse, and an impressive teen reading selection with a whole wall dedicated to YouTuber authors!
- Cafe Groc – not a bookshop per-say, but a brilliant little cafe near Pueblo Español where you’ll find great coffee, a small toddler play area, and a wonderful selection of english language primary & pre-schooler books for sale.
Find the full program of Sant Jordi 2024 in Palma here, or follow our instagram account to stay in-the-know on all the best Family Friendly events taking place over the week of #BooksandRoses.
