Preparations for an unusual St George’s day
The next celebration of Sant Jordi’s Day in Catalonia is headed for a remarkably different experience. After more than four years, the party will take place on a working day, with a decentralized and local approach, a novelty that will require significant logistical adaptations.
The expectation of the Catalan population
Jordi Ferrer, editor and coordinator of the Book and Rose Day committee representing the Chamber of Books, has underlined the presence of book stalls and roses in all Catalan towns next Tuesday, April 23. This initiative aims to fill the entire country with tradition and attempt to make it a magical party, despite the call being held on a weekday.
Barcelona maintains its traditional weight
Despite the decentralization, Barcelona will continue to play an important role during St George’s Day. The city, named as the main stage of the party, is preparing for the occasion with several new features. La Rambla, in particular, will once again be the epicenter of the celebration with a renewed distribution of stands to meet the new logistical needs.
Details of the organization in the Catalan capital
According to Eric del Arco, president of the Booksellers Guild of Catalonia, it is estimated that the party on La Rambla will be particularly dense in order to satisfy the influx of visitors. In addition, a greater presence of stalls is expected in all the districts of the city, looking for an equitable and decentralized distribution of the event. The preparations include the presence of stalls at the García Márquez library, which this year will host the proclamation of the day.
Expansion of the festival to other neighborhoods of Barcelona
The Gràcia district, recognized as a literary enclave, will be the scene of a substantial increase in stops compared to previous years. The intention is to meet local demand, as this area has a large number of bookstores. In total, 435 rose and book stalls are planned throughout the city of Barcelona.
Debate around the new payment model
The recent changes in the payment model in Barcelona have sparked an intense debate among various entities related to the Sant Jordi festival. The changes, which include the payment of a symbolic fee to register and have a stand, have been defended by Jordi Ferrer as a necessary element to guarantee the sustainability of the event. This decision, however, has generated disagreement between the agents involved.
Defense of the new model
The Chamber of Books and the Guild of Booksellers of Catalonia have argued that the administration’s funding has covered most of the expenditure, underlining the intention to maintain free public access to the stalls. According to the relevant authorities, this new method seeks to guarantee the viability of the day in the long term.
Opposite positions
However, several entities in the book sector express concern about the supposed commercial impact that these changes could have in the long term. Despite this, it is recognized that the gratuity and popularity of the festival remain indispensable values, regardless of the financing model adopted.