The Legend of Saint George
Shirley Roberts
The legend explains that long ago, in Montblanc (Tarragona) a ferocious dragon, capable of poisoning the air and killing with his breath, had frightened the inhabitants of the city. The inhabitants, scared and tired of the dragon´s ravages and misdeeds, decided to calm him by feeding him one person a day that would be chosen randomly in a draw. After several days, the princess was the unlucky one.
When the princess left her home and headed towards the dragon, a gentleman named Saint George, dressed in shining armor, riding a white horse, suddenly appeared to rescue her. Saint George raised his sword and stabbed the dragon, at last releasing the princess and the citizens from this turmoil.
From the dragon’s blood a rose-bush grew with the reddest roses that had ever been seen. Saint George, now a hero picked a rose and offered it to the princess.
The Day of San Jordi is celebrated in the Soller Valley and lovers and friends give one another books and roses. Cultural events are often organised and this year will combine with ‘The day of the Children’. This is a traditional fiesta which celebrates books, roses and culture.
Events in the Botanical Gardens, in Soller Square , the Library and all schools celebrate books, reading, literacy and the sheer enjoyment of the written word.
