Your current location:HOME >health >Spanish city of Barcelona celebrates day of books and love 正文
TIME:2024-05-17 02:06:04 Source: Internet compilationEdit:health
Thousands of people were on the streets of the northeastern Spanish city of Barcelona on Tuesday for
Thousands of people were on the streets of the northeastern Spanish city of Barcelona on Tuesday for a local festival that celebrates reading and love that coincides with the World Book Day of the Organization of the United Nations for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO).
The streets of the city, one of Spain's major tourist centers, were filled with local residents and visitors from all over the world who strolled in the spring sunshine browsing the many book and rose stalls set up for the traditional feast day of Saint George (Sant Jordi in Catalan).
Up to seven million roses and almost two million books will be sold throughout the day, according to the forecasts by the respective sectors.
The celebration has its origins in the legend of Saint George, a Roman knight who, it is said, saved a princess from the clutches of a dragon from whose blood a rosebush of red roses sprouted.
From this story, the custom was born about six centuries ago in Catalonia, the region where Barcelona is located, of exchanging roses and books, in a show of affection equivalent to Valentine's Day, but which is also common among family and friends.
"For the book ecosystem here the Day of the Book is fundamental and the chance for independent booksellers like us to go onto the streets and meet people makes it the most important day of the year," said the manager of one of the stands, Lucia Leandro.
The book sector says it expects on this one day to make revenue of more than 22 million euros (23.5 million dollars), an amount that represents around 10 percent of annual sales.
"Everyone is out there on the streets of the city browsing through books, and it is true that we buy a lot of books, but we also have to read them," said Ivan Fernandez, a local resident.
The holiday is also an opportunity for local writers to boost their sales by signing books at the stands.
One of them is Sonia del Campo, who was signing Spanish and Catalan versions of her book "Vidas" at a stand, which delves into topics such as sexist violence or immigration through the story of ten women.
"In other places there are book fairs that can last a week, but here it is one day and it is the day when all the writers come out to sign their books," she told Xinhua.
Proclaimed by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1995, World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated every April 23 because it was on this day in 1616 that the three great writers, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died.
The theme chosen for this year is "Read Your Way", to highlight the importance of developing a love of reading.
Barge hits bridge connecting Galveston and Pelican Island, causing partial collapse and oil spill2024-05-17 01:59
Ice and snow metaverse experience center in Harbin draws attention2024-05-17 01:51
Top 10 earners of 2023 all domestic films, Hollywood's appeal weakening2024-05-17 01:50
Top 10 earners of 2023 all domestic films, Hollywood's appeal weakening2024-05-17 01:45
Moment disqualified hit2024-05-17 01:37
Box office hit sparks boxing frenzy2024-05-17 01:07
Scenic spots keep locals coming back2024-05-17 01:01
Shaolin Kung Fu competition enthralls martial arts enthusiasts in Oceania2024-05-17 00:42
Tom Sandoval gets SAVAGED by Seth Meyers at NBC event as late2024-05-17 00:40
Prehistoric ruins dig into cave2024-05-17 00:04
White Sox acquire outfielder Corey Julks from Astros, recall outfielder Dominic Fletcher2024-05-17 01:39
Springtime blossoms add cheer to tourism2024-05-17 00:34
EU releases blocked funds of $6.7 billion to Poland as part of its post2024-05-17 00:21
Top 10 earners of 2023 all domestic films, Hollywood's appeal weakening2024-05-17 00:08
FIFA sets date for first Women's Club World Cup. Tournament due to launch in January 20262024-05-17 00:04
Electrifying Hangzhou Asian Games with green energy2024-05-17 00:01
34th Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival held in Arizona2024-05-16 23:46
China's digital revolution: Transforming lives, businesses and beyond2024-05-16 23:41
Childcare vs pay: The salary you need to make being a working parent profitable2024-05-16 23:40
Cultural confidence glows via new Chinese2024-05-16 23:20