Valentine’s Day in Spain is much like in many other parts of the world. It is a day to exchange regalos o detalles (small gifts) with your loved one, have a nice cita (date) in a restaurant and share a bottle of wine in un lugar romántico (a romantic spot.)
But Spaniards actually have two days when lovers can exchange gifts, at least in Barcelona. The second day is Sant Jordi, celebrated on April 23 each year. This day is considered the most romantic day of the year and lovers exchange a rose and a book. Just a curiosity, the rose tradition comes from the old legend of the cavalier Sant Jordi saving a princess from a dragon. The tradition to exchange a book comes from a literary contest celebrated on the same day, the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
