How to save a life on Sant Jordi’s Day in Barcelona

– This post was written by Jeremy –

Celebrated on the 23rd of April, Catalonia’s Sant Jordi’s Day is a day for lovers — and, in the spirit of Sant Jordi, the perfect day for heroic deeds. When we heard what our friends at Casa Battló were up to, we just had to let you know. By visiting Guadí’s breathtaking building (and with a little bloodshed), you can save lives on Sant Jordi’s day in Barcelona: 

Why red roses on Sant Jordi’s Day?

The story goes that, long ago, the people of Montblanc were being terrorized by a ferocious dragon with an appetite for destruction. To stop the wicked beast from spreading mayhem across the kingdom, the citizens decided to randomly pick one unlucky citizen each day to be sent off to the monster’s lair.

One day, the unthinkable burden of being eaten alive by a giant dragon fell on the kingdom’s very own princess. The virtuous princess faced her fortune head-on and walked to the caverns that held the dragon.

It was then that a handsome knight in shining armor reached Montblanc. Sant Jordi (or Saint George for the English-speaking world) soon found out he had only barely missed the princess on a one-way trip to meet her maker. Immediately, he raced off on his white horse and arrived just in time to see the dragon approaching the beautiful girl. Jordi let out a heroic cry as he charged and raised his mighty sword, impaling the beast’s heart.

As the knight stepped back, a rose bush holding the most vibrant red roses appeared out of the pool of blood that had formed where the slain beast lay lifelessly. Sant Jordi plucked the biggest and shiniest rose and gave it to the rescued princess, who fell into his arms and instantly fell in love with the handsome prince.

Save lives at Casa Battló on Sant Jordi’s Day

The breathtaking House of Bones is Gaudí’s ode to the story of Sant Jordi and the dragon. The roof tiles are like dragon’s scales, the skeletal windows the remains of the slain beast, and the top spire’s cross Jordi’s mighty sword. With the house being covered in red roses (and plenty more references to the story to be found inside), you should really visit Casa Battló around Sant Jordi’s Day. Plus, from the 21st until the 23rd of April, you can be a real Georgian hero — and save someone’s life too.

Because, right at the entrance, the good folks of Casa Battló will set up a medical post where you can donate blood to those in need. In the spirit of Saint George, you too can shed a little blood (albeit your own) to make life and roses bloom. Has there ever been a better way to celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day in Barcelona?

#MesQueUnaRosa

If you’re afraid of needles, don’t worry — you can still help out by sharing this post and letting others know about Casa Battló’s #MésQueUnaRosa cause. And, if you’re in town anyway, have a look at our website to see what else Barcelona has to offer!