This year we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Raluy Historic Circus being honored with the Creu de Sant Jordi in 2006 , a highly prestigious award bestowed by the Generalitat of Catalonia . This award is given annually to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Catalan culture and society. The Creu de Sant Jordi, named after the patron saint of Catalonia, is a symbol of excellence and service.
That same year, the award was shared with prominent figures from various fields, including Narcís Serra i Serra, former mayor of Barcelona; Carmen Balcells, renowned literary agent; Ricardo Rodrigo , president of the RBA Group ; Miquel Roca i Junyent , politician and lawyer; Oriol Maspons , photographer; and Isabel Coixet , film director. Organizations such as the Nàstic de Tarragona football club and the Institute for Family Business were also recognized.
For us at the Raluy Historic Circus, receiving the Creu de Sant Jordi (Cross of Saint George) has been an immense honor that reflects our family's commitment, spanning five generations, to preserving the essence and legacy of circus artists, which is reflected in our current name, Raluy Historic Circus. Our mission goes beyond simply entertaining; we aspire to create moments of joy for both children and adults, offering a show that celebrates and keeps alive the spirit of the classic, high-quality circus. This is yet another distinction among the awards and recognitions received by the Raluy Historic Circus.
This recognition has reinforced our dedication and energy to continue presenting shows that leave a lasting impression on our visitors, who look forward to our next performance to relive the magic that only Circus Raluy can offer. La Creu de Sant Jordi not only celebrates our past, but also drives our future, motivating us to continue creating unforgettable experiences under our big tent.
The festival of Saint George at an international level
Origins and Expansion of the Festival
Saint George is one of the most revered saints throughout the Christian world, known for his bravery and his role as a defender of the faith. Although his exact origins are shrouded in legend, it is believed that he was a Roman soldier from Cappadocia (present-day Turkey) who lived in the 3rd century and who was martyred for refusing to renounce Christianity under the reign of Emperor Diocletian.
The most famous story about Saint George is the medieval legend in which he slays a dragon to save a princess and an entire city from being devoured by the beast. This legend has made Saint George a symbol of bravery, sacrifice and triumph of good over evil, attributes that have been celebrated in numerous cultures and nations.
Devotion to Saint George spread rapidly throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, thanks in part to the Crusaders, who took his cult to the Holy Land and brought it back to Europe. His popularity grew so much that in many places he is considered the patron saint, and his holiday, April 23, is celebrated with great fervor.
Places where it is celebrated with greater tradition
- England. : Saint George is the patron saint of England, and his holiday, known as Saint George's Day, is celebrated on April 23. In England, St. George is a national symbol, and although the holiday is not an official holiday, many people celebrate it by decorating their homes and streets with the St. George's cross, the national flag. Parades, theatrical performances of the legend of the dragon, and religious services are held in his honor.
- Catalonia (Spain)In Catalonia, Saint George's Day, known as Sant Jordi, is a very special celebration that combines the legend of the saint with a literary tradition. The main custom is to give books and roses, which has made this holiday a kind of Catalan "Valentine's Day," but with a unique cultural focus.
- GeorgiaSaint George is also the patron saint of Georgia, where he is known as "Giorgi." Saint George's Day is one of the country's most important religious holidays, celebrated twice a year: on November 23 and May 6. On these dates, Georgians attend church, and many people make pilgrimages to monasteries dedicated to Saint George.
- Portugal: In Portugal, Saint George is revered as the protector of knights and the symbol of the fight against evil. His festival is celebrated in various locations, especially in the Alentejo region, where masses, processions and representations of the legend of the dragon are held.
- EthiopiaSaint George is also the patron saint of Ethiopia, where he is known as "Kidus Giorgis." His feast day is celebrated with grand religious ceremonies and pilgrimages to the Church of Saint George in Lalibela, one of the most famous rock-hewn churches in the world.
- Other countries: In addition to those mentioned, Saint George is venerated in other countries such as Russia, Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria, where festivities are celebrated in his honor with masses, processions, and various traditional rituals.
Sant Jordi in Catalonia
In Catalonia, the celebration of Sant Jordi is one of the most beloved and popular festivities, combining the veneration of the patron saint with a unique cultural tradition that has transcended regional borders.
Origin of the Tradition of the Book and the Rose
The festival of Sant Jordi, celebrated on April 23, has a deep cultural meaning in Catalonia, and its origin is linked to both the legend of the saint and the literary history of the region.
The legend of Sant Jordi tells how the saint saved a princess from being devoured by a dragon, wounding the beast with his spear. From the spilled blood of the dragon, according to legend, a rose bush sprouted, and Sant Jordi cut a rose to give it to the princess. This story has inspired the tradition of giving roses, which dates back to the 15th century, when men began to give a red rose to women as a symbol of love and devotion.
On the other hand, the tradition of giving books as gifts became firmly established in the 20th century. In 1926, the Valencian writer and publisher Vicent Clavel proposed the celebration of Book Day in commemoration of the death of Miguel de Cervantes (although it was later discovered that he died on April 22). The coincidence of this date with Saint George's Day led to the merging of both traditions in Catalonia, making April 23 a day when the streets are filled with stalls selling books and roses.
The Party Today
Currently, the celebration of Sant Jordi is a day in which culture and love are intertwined. It is an unofficial festival, but with great popular participation. During this day, the main streets of cities like Barcelona are filled with book and rose stalls, and people go out to walk, buy books and give roses to their loved ones.
Books : On Sant Jordi's Day, giving books as gifts has become an expression of affection and admiration. It's a day when authors sign copies, and book sales reach their peak for the year. For many, it's an opportunity to discover new reads and promote Catalan and world literature.
The Rose : Giving a rose is the most traditional and romantic expression of the day. Although traditionally it was men who gave roses to women, today this custom has become more widespread, and both men and women exchange roses as a symbol of love, friendship, and appreciation.
Events and Activities : In addition to the sale of books and roses, Sant Jordi is celebrated with a wide variety of cultural events, including public readings, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. It is common to see cultural institutions, libraries, and schools organizing special activities to promote reading and culture.
A Symbol of Catalan Identity : Sant Jordi is also a day of strong Catalan identity. The festival has a civic character that distinguishes it from other religious holidays, and reinforces the feeling of belonging to a community that values its language, culture, and traditions.
The celebration of Sant Jordi in Catalonia is much more than a simple festivity. It is a day in which culture, history and tradition come together to create a unique atmosphere, where love and literature are the protagonists.
