La Rambla to be part of Sant Jordi 2023's 'literary superblock'
Organizers of the festival of books and roses are confident that this year will see even more book stalls than last year's 300
This year's Sant Jordi, Catalonia's festival of books and roses and traditionally the most romantic day of the year on these shores, will see the 'literary superblock' project repeated, with even more space given to stalls.
La Rambla boulevard will also come into the new plans, with book and flower stalls to be set up along the street that is also one of Catalonia's biggest tourist attractions. The lower part of Carrer Gran de Gràcia will also be a part of the literary superblock on the day, as it expands its space by about 10%.
The concept in past years has seen a huge area of the city center pedestrianized for the special day, and this plan will be repeated in 2023.
The Book Chamber association estimates that the almost 300 book stalls seen last year will be surpassed this time round, as registrations from booksellers are moving at a good pace, and for the fact that more space will be available. Last year also saw around 80 florists set up stalls on the sides of streets.
After the havoc caused at several stands by bad weather last year, organizers currently do not see the need for a plan B in the event of rain this time round.
"Having a plan B to put all this in a covered place is very difficult, and everyone has to take the measures they want because the moment they are in the public space and outdoors they are exposed to the weather," the president of the Book Chamber, Patrici Tixis, said.
It has been agree with the Guild of Booksellers not to incorporate any special measures in the eventuality of bad weather, but it is recommended that sellers prepare just in case.