The Feast of Saint George, held annually on 23 April, is a traditional festival in Catalonia, Spain. As is customary, on this day a man sends a rose to his wife or girlfriend, and the woman returns a book. Barcelona is transformed into a sea of books and flowers on this day, with books and rose stalls strewn through the streets, where people walk in search of gifts not only for loved ones, but also for family or friends.
On April 23, the balcony of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain, was covered with flowers. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
A couple takes a selfie on the streets of Barcelona, Spain, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
People stop in front of a book stall in Barcelona, Spain, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
People walk the streets of Barcelona, Spain, with roses in their hands on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
A man picks roses on the streets of Barcelona, Spain, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
A woman walks the streets of Barcelona, Spain, with a rose in her hand, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
This is a rose made of chocolate photographed in Barcelona, Spain, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo
A woman holding a rose in her hand shelters the rain on the streets of Barcelona, Spain, on April 23. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Meng Dingbo