News
Signings, queues and emotion: how Sant Jordi is experienced with writers in Barcelona
Sant Jordi again turns Barcelona into a unique meeting point between authors and readers. This year, anticipation has gone a step further: in some places, queues to get a signature have exceeded two hours from early morning.
The scene is repeated throughout the city. Readers waiting with their book in hand, watching the clock and calculating whether they will arrive in time. But nobody leaves: the possibility of meeting their favourite author makes up for the wait, especially when names such as Javier Cercas or Eduardo Mendoza are among the most sought-after.
The passion for literature has crossed borders. Some visitors have travelled from other countries solely to experience this moment in Barcelona. Authors such as Pol Guasch, Carlota Gurt, Albert Sánchez Piñol and David Trueba have also drawn long queues.
Writers also experience the day in a special way. Signings, photographs and brief conversations create direct contact that does not happen for the rest of the year. Authors such as Irene Pujadas highlight this day as one of the most intense because of their closeness to their readers.
The city adapts to this rhythm. Crowded streets, stalls on every corner and an atmosphere that combines culture and celebration. Everything revolves around the book, but also around the experience of sharing it.
If you go out into the street, you will find more people, more plans and more activity than usual. It can be difficult to get around in certain areas, but in return you will have access to unique activities. It is one of the few days when culture is experienced directly in the street.