Saint Jordi´s day, 23. April

Today it is Sant Jordi´s day (Spanish language: San Jorge, Catalan language: Sant Jordi (Saint George), and here it is a tradition giving away a rose (to women) and a book (to men) to those that you care for and love
Saint George is known for killing a Dragon (ca. 275-281–April 23, 303) and was a soldier of the Roman empire. (from Anatolia, now modern day Turkey)
He was venerated as an Islamic and Christian martyr.
Saint George also came to be considered as patron to the Crown of,amongst others, Catalonia

This tradition which combines a rose as a symbol of love and a book as a symbol of culture, has turned April 23rd into a gay and festive celebration which fills the streets and squares with book and flower stalls. It is a day for walking around and enjoying the spectacle of streets turning into open-air book shops.
In other words - a good time to visit Barcelona!
Enjoy!