Sant Jordi at Impress Spain: Celebrating Books, Roses and Connection

Sant Jordi is one of Catalonia’s most cherished traditions, bringing together culture, literature and meaningful gestures of appreciation.

The celebration is rooted in the medieval legend of Saint George, who defeated a dragon to save a princess. According to the story, a red rose grew from the dragon’s blood, which later became a symbol of love, courage and affection.

Sant Jordi is also closely connected to books and literature. The date, 23 April, holds special meaning in the literary world, as it is associated with renowned authors such as Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Over time, this tradition became known for the exchange of books and roses, creating a celebration that is both cultural and deeply symbolic.

Across Catalonia, streets are filled with book stalls and flower stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere where people share stories, appreciation and connection. A rose is often given as a sign of affection, while a book represents imagination, ideas and the joy of sharing culture.

To mark this special occasion, Impress Spain organised a book exchange initiative inspired by the spirit of Sant Jordi. In the days leading up to the celebration, a book collection box was placed in the reception hall, inviting colleagues to donate books they wanted to share.

On Sant Jordi, the collected books were displayed in a dedicated exchange area where colleagues could browse the selection and take a book with them. The initiative was warmly received, with many team members contributing books, visiting the exchange space and discovering new titles throughout the day.

Beyond the exchange itself, the activity created small moments of connection across the office. Colleagues stopped by to browse, share recommendations and talk about the books they had brought. It added a warm and engaging atmosphere to the workplace and offered a simple but meaningful way to bring a local tradition into the office.

Through this initiative, Impress Spain celebrated not only books and reading, but also the values at the heart of Sant Jordi: sharing, appreciation, culture and human connection.