What is Sant Jordi?
Sant Jordi brings books, roses and cultural joy to Mallorca's towns
At its heart, Sant Jordi is one of the most romantic and literary traditions in Spain. Rooted in the legend of Saint George slaying a dragon - where a rose bloomed from the dragon's blood - it's now celebrated on April 23 with a simple exchange: a rose for love, a book in return.
But in Mallorca, it's grown into something much bigger: a full week of events blending literature, culture, family activities and community celebrations.
Palma: April 23 and beyond
In Palma, Thursday April 23 is the centrepiece, with the city hosting a full-day open-air book fair from 10:00 to 21:00 across Plaça d'Espanya, Sant Miquel, Carrer Major, Plaça de Cort and La Rambla.
Throughout the day: - 10:00-19:00+: Rolling author signings across multiple stalls, with appearances scheduled hourly - 11:00-13:00: Peak signing sessions in Plaça Major and Sant Miquel - 16:00-19:00: Afternoon signings and comic artist sessions - Continuous: book stalls, rose vendors, workshops and cultural pop-ups
Across the wider week Palma also hosts: - Morning storytelling sessions and children's activities - Afternoon literary talks, workshops and presentations - Evening concerts and cultural events across different venues
Pollença: April 23-28 programme highlights
In Pollença, Sant Jordi runs across multiple days with a strong cultural programme:
April 23 - 17:00: Live radio special - 17:00: 'Café i llibres' live storytelling
April 24 - 19:30: Book presentation and talk
April 28 - 12:00: Literary awards ceremony
Earlier in the week (leading into the 23rd), events include: - Morning book and flower markets (10:30+) - 11:00 storytelling sessions for children - 19:30 evening recitals and performances
Alaró: April 22-28 village programme
In Alaró, events feel local and community-led:
April 22 - 17:30: Literary café discussion
April 25 (main day) - 10:00-13:00: Book fair in Plaça Sebastià Jaume - 11:00: Book presentation (Ajuntament) - 11:30: Sant Jordi creative workshop - 12:00: Writing and collage session in the town hall courtyard
April 28 - 17:30: Children's storytelling session
Alcúdia: April 23 weekend celebrations
In Alcúdia, the historic old town hosts a family-focused programme from April 23 onwards: - Late morning (from ~10:30): Book stalls and markets - Midday-afternoon: Children's storytelling and activities - Evenings: Cultural performances and gatherings within the old town
The atmosphere here is lively but relaxed, with events spread across the weekend rather than one single day.
Marratxí: April 23 onwards
In Marratxí, Sant Jordi centres around accessible, community-led programming: - Late morning to afternoon: Workshops, literary activities and family events - Selected evenings: Cultural sessions and local gatherings
Events are spread across multiple venues, creating a neighbourhood-focused feel.
A week-long island celebration
While Palma delivers the headline event on April 23, the rest of Mallorca extends Sant Jordi into a flowing, multi-day experience.
Across every town, the rhythm is the same: morning markets, afternoon storytelling, evening culture - and everywhere, roses and books.
