Sant Jordi 2010

After my birthday on April 18th a very special day comes: Sant Jordi on April 23rd. For me one of the most beautiful celebrations we have in Catalonia. This Sant Jordi was half rainy, but this did not stop people going out and lingering on the streets, buying books and roses for friends, family and lovers.

Last year's St. Jordi I talked about the legend behind the day and how the day is celebrated (with some pictures). This year I will add some more pictures of roses, books which filled up the stalls and people crowding the streets of Barcelona, enjoying the day.

Roses

Llibres (books)

Gent (people)

Well-known personalities sign their book
(eg, second row left, Quim Monzó, and third row right, the famous cook Carme Ruscalleda)

If you ever happen to be in Catalonia for Sant Jordi, don't miss it, enjoy it! :)

Xavi and I with the traditional St. Jordi's gifts, a book and a rose

The great football classic

As I became a fan of football last year, missing the great classic Madrid-Barça today would be sacrilege.

So just before the match begins at 22:00 h, here I leave you Barça's hymn (karaoke version for you to sing).

Go Barça!

Tot el camp, és un clam som la gent blaugrana Tan se val d'on venim si del sud o del nord Ara estem d'acord, estem d'acord Una bandera ens agermana Blaugrana al vent Un crit valent Tenim un nom, el sap tothom Barça, Barça, Barça Jugadors, seguidors, tots units fem força Són molt anys plens d'afanys Són molts gols que hem cridat I s'ha demostrat, s'ha demostrat que mai ningúno ens podrà tòrcer. Blaugrana al vent un crit valent Tenim un nom, el sap tothom Barça, Barça, Barça!

The whole stadium, loud cheers We’re the blue and maroon supporters It matters not where we hail from Whether it's the south or the north Now we all agree, we all agree, One flag unites us in brotherhood. Blue and maroon blowing in the wind One valiant cry We’ve got a name everyone knows: Barça, Barça, Barça! Players, supporters United we are strong. We’ve achieved much over the years, We’ve shouted many goals And we have shown, we have shown, That no one can ever break us. Blue and maroon blowing in the wind One valiant cry We’ve got a name everyone knows: Barça, Barça, Barça!

Ten o'clock...FOOTBALL TIME!!!