Scottish writer Ali Smith to be Barcelona's Sant Jordi 2026 guest of honor

Author Ali Smith will deliver the Sant Jordi 2026 litterature speech on April 22 in the historic council chamber, the 'Saló de Cent', in Barcelona City Hall.

Known as the most romantic day of the year, Sant Jordi is Catalonia's Saint George's Day, celebrated on April 23 with books and roses.

Each year, a well known writer gives a public reading or proclamation as part of the event known locally as 'La Lectura de Sant Jordi'. 

On the eve of Sant Jordi, Smith will discuss her work and the role of reading and libraries in her life in conversation with her Catalan translator, Dolors Udina. 

Born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1962 and now based in Cambridge, England, Smith is considered one of the most influential voices in contemporary English-language literature. 

Her best-known works include the seasonal quartet 'Autumn', 'Winter', 'Spring' and 'Summer', as well as the award-winning novel 'How to Be Both'.

As part of the 25th anniversary of 'Barcelona's Libraries', Smith is also expected to underline the importance of public libraries as community spaces and places where access to culture is a universal right.

Since 2003, the reading event has been delivered by famous international writers, including Portuguese author José Saramago, Italian writer Alessandro Baricco, and American author Donna Leon.