Celebrate World Book Day on April 23rd!
Sant Jordi Day comes to Cumberland!
Join us for a day of roses, books, and activities for the little ones!
Adventure Daycare is hosting a two-hour event to raise funds to give kids at the centre an even richer experience.
A History of Sant Jordi Day
If you are lucky enough to be in Barcelona or in just about any town in Catalonia on April 23rd, you’ll experience one of the most remarkable festivals where elaborate displays of roses decorate the streets, books line the sidewalks, and music and other activities are enjoyed by all. Books and roses are exchanged to friends, family, lovers and colleagues.
This day also marks the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and Miguel de Cervantes, Spain’s most celebrated author who gifted Don Quixote to the literary canon.
In 1926, a writer from Barcelona recognized this literary significance, making books a prominent part of the celebration. Seventy years later, inspired by this Catalan tradition, UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared April 23rd World Book and Copyright Day.
This year, Adventure Daycare is bringing this beautiful tradition to Canada for the first time!
The Event
Saturday, April 23 from 10am-12pm
Number 6 Mine Park in Cumberland, B.C
Book Fair, Book Exchange and Roses!
Starts at 10am! Volunteers will be hosting a book fair all event long. All books are $2, or FREE if you donated books before the event! (see How to Contribute below).
Roses and bouquets will also be for sale. All proceeds are for the kids!
Storytime
(10:30a-11:00a)
We’ve selected these three stories to read aloud:
- The Legend of Sant Jordi
- The Paper Bag Princess
- Why Dragons Love Tacos 1+2
Crafts - Make Your Own Roses
(11:00a-12:00p)
Make a rose to take home! This activity is open to everyone!
How to Contribute
Option 1 - Come to the Event!
Browse, read, buy a book, gift a rose or just come celebrate with us!
Option 2 - Drop Off Books Before the Event
We’re taking book donations until the day before the event at either of our two locations. Visit our book fair and get 3 books for free!
- Cumberland: Adventure Daycare on 2677 Rydal Ave
- Courtenay: Adventure Daycare on 2785 Mansfield Dr Unit A
The Legend of Sant Jordi
Once upon a time a terrible dragon terrorized the village of Montblanc. There was nothing that could escape from its attacks: houses, animals and people were destroyed and devoured, and everybody was living in fear about who was next.
The villagers decided to offer the dragon something to eat every day because when the dragon was full, they didn’t chase anything until the next day.
However the day came when there were no animals left to feed its ferocious appetite – not one sheep, cow or pig was left in the village. After a long discussion, the villagers agreed on the need to sacrifice a person to the dragon every day. Nobody volunteered, so a lottery was organized to decide, each morning, who would be offered at the central square.
The first unlucky one selected was none other than the King’s daughter. Many citizens offered their lives instead. However, the king, heartbroken, said that his daughter was like any other: her name was chosen, so she had to offer her life.
So the princess left the castle and walked to her sacrifice. The villagers saw how the dragon was landing upon her with its sharp claws ready, while all of a sudden a knight riding a white horse intervened!
With a sword thrust straight to its heart, Sant Jordi stopped the dragon and a gorgeous rose bush grew in its place. Sant Jordi picked the reddest rose and offered it to the princess.
Fun Facts about Sant Jordi Day
Low-latency voice and video feels like you’re in the same room. Wave hello over video, watch friends stream their games, or gather up and have a drawing session with screen share.
How many books are sold on April 23?
In Catalonia, it’s estimated 5-8% of the entire year’s books are sold on this day.
Who is Sant Jordi?
Sant Jordi was a Roman soldier in 3rd century CE and is the Patron Saint of Catalunya.
Why is it spelled funny?
Sant Jordi is the Catalan spelling for Saint George and the festival name is Diada de Sant Jordi. Catalan and Spanish are the two official languages of Catalonia.
Who can I give a book or rose to?
Traditionally men gave women a rose, and received a book in return as a token of love. Today, gifts are given to anyone dear to you – friends, family members, a partner, classmates and colleagues.
How long has this been celebrated for?
The earliest record of a celebration dates back to the 15th century at the Palau de la Generalitat where a Rose Fair was held.
Where is Catalunya?
Catalonia, or Catalunya in its native selling, is an autonomous region located in Northeastern Spain with Barcelona as its capital.
