Festival de Sant Jordi

Please note: This event is hosted by Deschutes Public Libraries, not Gringo Language Academy. We are excited to promote this bilingual offering on their behalf.

Legend says that, long ago, in a faraway land, there was a walled town called Montblanc. There lived a dragon that terrorized the people, and its breath filled every corner of the kingdom with fear. Desperate, the townspeople decided that to calm its appetite, they would offer a person each week by lottery. For a long time, the fate fell on farmers, soldiers, and humble folk—until one day, the lot chose the princess, dressed in white. She was led beyond the walls to face the dragon, and the silence of the town followed her every step. Then Jordi, a brave knight on horseback, appeared. After a fierce battle, he defeated the dragon, and from its spilled blood bloomed a bush of red roses. Jordi picked one rose and offered it to the princess, a symbol of life, love, and hope. Over time, the story was passed down through generations, and alongside the rose, a book was born, reminding us that words and stories have the power to overcome any obstacle. Since then, every April 23rd, Catalonia celebrates Sant Jordi, exchanging books and roses to honor love, courage, culture, and the magic of shared stories.

This year in Redmond, the legend comes alive at the library:

• Stroll among local bookstore stalls to discover and buy books, or bring a book that has meant something to you, wrapped with a note explaining why it is special, and exchange it with someone else. Every book carries its story to new hands and new hearts.
• You can also get creative: make paper roses in an origami workshop with Gonzalo Benavente, design and decorate your own bookmarks (puntos de libro) with Christi Zorrilla.
• Meet local author Ana Gutierrez whose love of stories inspired her first novel, When Darkness Falls.
• Or Join EXPRÉSArte, a short creative writing session with Pia Allende where you’ll learn how to say a lot with just a few words.

It’s a day to enjoy, create, share stories, and reconnect with books, a moment for kids and grown-ups alike to put phones aside and experience the magic of Sant Jordi in person.

For more information, please visit https://dpl.libnet.info/event/15810414