The main headline in the local paper was "Libros, rosas y futbol" yesterday. It was St Georges day and Barcelona was alive with flags, book stands and rose vendors. St. George is the patron saint of Catalonia and the resultant celebration is a combination of romance and nationalism. women are supposed to receive a rose, either red or yellow, the colors of the flag. Actually, the Rose includes a sprig of wheat as a symbol of spring and fertility, and a small flag of Catalonia. Men are supposed to receive a book, preferably written in Catalan. The buses have flags, Ramblas is just packed with people as well, buying books and flowers and taking the day off.
The day ended early, though. At 845 began the football match of the season so far, And the streets were empty. It was the semifinals of the champions league, where FC Barcelona played Manchester United. It ended in a tie and will continue next week...
1 comment:
Hi Deens!
Is it St. George and the dragon or a different saint? Very interesting holiday.
You are missing the absolute longest winter in living memory back in MN. Great timing, you all. We had snow here last weekend (last weekend in April) just in time for Will to visit St. Olaf. Only a few warm days so far, and we are still waiting.....The Cermak/Rhodes home is having some major landscaping done today, it looks very nice. We also had a nice neighbors dinner at their house a few weeks ago - missed you guys! Hope you are all well and enjoying the Spanish sunhine,
Lis C.
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