Nothing Says Love Like a Rose

A new day to celebrate your love!

You don't have to be Catalan to celebrate St. George's Day, the most amorous day of the year in Barcelona, Spain. On April 23, traditions converge for a day of books and roses.

Legend has it that St. George fought a dragon to rescue a princess who was to be sacrificed to the terrible dragon's wrath. In honor of the redemption of the princess, men would bring their beloved a rose on St. George's Day.

Eventually, the tradition enlarged to include a gift of a book in return. This is thought to be a celebration of Shakespeare and Cervantes, who both reportedly died on April 23, 1616.

On April 23 the streets of Barcelona will be filled with stalls of roses and books. Publishers even release new novels in celebration of the day, and authors host book-signings as part of the festivities.