Sant Jordi in Barcelona: A Celebration of Love, Books… and New Beginnings

Every April 23rd, the streets of Barcelona come alive with books and roses. It’s Sant Jordi, one of Catalonia’s most cherished traditions — a day when love and literature take centre stage. For families who’ve just moved here, or are planning their relocation, this unique celebration is also a perfect glimpse into the soul of the city.

At Start Smart Barcelona, we believe that moving to a new country is a love story in itself — between families and their new home. And like every great story, it starts with curiosity, preparation, and a bit of magic. So today, we’re sharing some thoughtful tips to help you begin your new chapter in Barcelona with confidence and joy.

A Legend to Inspire

The Sant Jordi legend tells of a brave knight who rescued a princess from a fierce dragon, and from the dragon’s blood, a rose bloomed. That’s why, on this day, people exchange books and roses — a blend of romance and culture that perfectly reflects the spirit of Barcelona.

A City with Two Languages and Many Voices

The city of Barcelona and the community of Catalonia are bilingual, with Catalan and Spanish both used in daily life. Catalan is the native language of the region, present in schools, signage, and social interactions. Spanish (Castilian) is also widely spoken, especially useful when navigating services or connecting with people from other parts of Spain and Latin America.

✨ Start Smart Tip: Learning even a few Catalan phrases — like “Bon dia” (Good morning), “Gràcies” (Thank you), or “Si us plau” (Please) — goes a long way in making connections and showing respect for local culture.

Choosing a School: More Than Just a Practical Decision

Barcelona offers public, semi-private, and private schools — with diverse educational approaches and languages of instruction. Finding the right fit for your child can be overwhelming at first, especially if you're not familiar with the system or arrive mid-year. That’s why we offer free school search guidance, tailored to your family’s values, needs, and preferences.

✨ Start Smart Tip: Plan early. April is a great time to explore open days and school tours!

Finding Your Family’s Corner of the City

Will you settle in a vibrant, family-friendly neighbourhood like Gràcia, a green, residential area like Sarrià, or somewhere closer to the beach like Poblenou? Each district has its own personality, and finding the right place to live will shape your daily life.

✨ Start Smart Tip: Consider proximity to schools, parks, public transport, and kid-friendly spaces when searching for your new home.

Building Community Beyond the Classroom

Creating a local support network is key to feeling at home. Whether it’s joining a parents’ group, attending a cultural festival, or enrolling your children in after-school activities, there are plenty of ways to connect with others.

✨ Start Smart Tip: Love books? Sant Jordi is the perfect time to explore Barcelona’s children’s bookstores or join multilingual story times and book clubs!

Feliç Sant Jordi!

From Start Smart Barcelona, we wish you a day filled with roses, books, and new beginnings. If you’re considering a move to Barcelona with your family, we’re here to support you every step of the way — so your story starts not with stress, but with excitement, discovery, and love for your new city.