Sant Jordi – The Festival of Books and Roses

A mountain tribute to the Catalan festival of books and roses

Every April 23rd, the streets of Catalonia fill with stalls selling books and roses: it is the Diada de Sant Jordi, a day traditionally marked by gifting a book and a rose to a loved one. In Bardonecchia, a lively town in the Upper Susa Valley within the Metropolitan City of Turin (Piedmont), this tradition has become a highly anticipated spring event: Sant Jordi – The Festival of Books and Roses. Promoted by the Municipality of Bardonecchia in collaboration with the Civic Library, the festival celebrates the joy of reading in an alpine setting, bridging culture, education, and community.

A week dedicated to books

The event spans several days in April and revolves around two complementary themes. The first is dedicated to local schools: from preschools to high schools, students meet writers and participate in theatrical readings, games, and workshops designed to introduce them to books in a lively and engaging way. The second part is open to the entire community, featuring evening meetings, reading groups, and events culminating around the symbolic date of April 23rd.

The Palazzo delle Feste, the heart of local culture

Events take place primarily at the Palazzo delle Feste on Piazza Valle Stretta, which also houses the Bardonecchia Civic Library. This historic building, a true landmark of the town's cultural life, hosts author meetings, readings, and the reading group's literary tea, which offers «rose-scented» recommendations every year.

More than just a literary festival

Over the years, Sant Jordi has successfully engaged Piedmontese and national authors, children's storytellers, and voices of mountain culture, alternating events for children with evenings for adults. The festival is not only an opportunity to discover new books but also a moment of social connection that strengthens the bond between the Bardonecchia community and its library, in full harmony with the generous Mediterranean spirit of the Catalan tradition that inspires it.

For those visiting the Susa Valley mountains in spring, it is a chance to discover an unexpected, cultural side of a destination primarily known for skiing and hiking.