Saint Jordi’s Day

Saint Jordi’s Day

Roses, books and lovers: Barcelona is full of them on 23 April. In Catalonia the World Book Day becomes an especially romantic festivity. The people in Catalonia celebrate the day of their patron saint, Saint Jordi, with a curious tradition. It is a very traditional festivity that combines culture and romanticism. That day, on 23 April, according to tradition couples exchange gifts: a book for the men and a rose for the women. Book and flower stalls are set up along the streets of Barcelona and these streets are filled with people walking around stalls, looking for a gift for their beloved, and for their family and friends. This curious festival comes from a mixture of traditions from different periods.

We decided to do something unique this year and hence collaborated with Indian sunrises, and Tarragona for our Saint Jordi proposal of solidarity. Throughout the day, we sold roses made by our SEED beneficiaries in Barcelona. This year, more than 500 women participated in the project to change their own history and that of their community in favor of a social model respectful with equal rights and opportunities. “Smiles of Mumbai”, a book by Jaume Sanllorente, the founder of Mumbai Smiles was also on display to enable people to buy the book. The Saint Jordi’s Day was special this year as we completed 10 years of our existence.

A consignment of 1,505 roses was sent to Spain in the month of March for which 13 women from the SEED project were involved. Rasika Mahatre, the trainer who trains the SEED beneficiaries for making roses gave the following feedback-

“We complete huge consignments every year and each year several women join us to help in completing these consignments. It provides an opportunity for SEED women to become financially independent. The Rs. 25 that beneficiaries receive for each rose converts into a good amount, which helps them to support their child’s education and contribute to family incomes.”

With this and many more of our projects, we hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of our beneficiaries. Wishing everyone a “Happy Saint Jordi’s day”!!