The Festival of Sant Jordi at Montblanc

Article by: © Genevieve Shaw 2012

Named Montblanc (White Mountain), originally due to a lack of green vegetation, the town today, set amidst lush vineyards and abundant fields, can only be compared to a fairy tale kingdom. Built on top of a hill in the 11th century as a safeguard against flooding from the nearby rivers, Montblanc maintains its old world atmosphere within high medieval walls.

According to the Catalan historian, Joan Amades, the walls of Montblanc are the origin of Catalonia's most famous legend Sant Jordi, celebrated throughout Catalunya on the 23rd of April. The story tells how a wicked dragon from a nearby lake terrorized the village, devouring all the far animals until there were none left. The dragon then demanded one of the villagers on condition that he would vacate the town. The villagers agreed, drew lots and the King's daughter was selected as the sacrificial victim. Only minutes before the princess, dressed in white, was about to be eaten by the dragon, a young knight appeared on horseback, speared the dragon with his sword and saved the princess. Where the dragon fell, a rose bush appeared with red roses the colour of the dragon's blood. The knight plucked a rose and gave it to the princess before riding off out of the gates and into the sunset.

To commemorate this legend, on the day of Saint Jordi, men traditionally give women a rose while females give males a book. Although this might seem slightly unfair, the atmosphere throughout Catalunya on the 23rd of April can not help but impress. The epicenter of this festive activity is, of course, at Montblanc where the party lasts an entire week. During the final week of April, this festival livens up the streets of Montblanc in a whirl of colourful events.

The shebang starts up in true Mediterranean style on the first night when a Medieval Feast is held at 10pm. A scrumptious menu is guaranteed to whet any appetite, the only condition being that all dinner guests must wear traditional costume. The winding streets of Montblanc are converted into a real life theatre throughout the week as over three hundred actors participate in scenes from daily medieval life. Events include fighting underneath the city walls, Jewish merchants and money lenders in the Jewish Quarters, the coronation of the King at his Court and all the local craftsmen at work. There are also juggling competitions that anyone can enter for free. The figure of the Juggler in Medieval times was considered an entertainer as well as a story teller who often bought important information from other parts of the country. Juggling routines can be performed alone or in a group and must last between fifteen and thirty minutes.

Fire, music and light are combined in a series of blazing outdoor bangs in the "Resurrection of the Dragon," on Friday night at 11.30pm in Plaza de Sant Fransesc. Dragons, witches and ghouls liven up the evening atmosphere which, according to the council of Montblanc, is certain to incite all kinds of sinful behaviour. Alcoholic Dragon's Blood is on sale all night in the church.

A medieval market animates the historic center of Montblanc during the final weekend of February as crafts, traditional food products, street performers and a Slave Auction hold centre court. The market has existed in Montblanc since 1281 when merchants displayed their wares on the ground, in different types of baskets, selling vegetables, fruit, oil, salt, cheese, honey, herbs and also ice which came from ice wells from the surrounding areas.

The most magical moment awaits over three thousand spectators on the final Saturday of the month at 10pm at Paseo Conangla when a theatrical representation of the Legend of Sant Jordi is acted out in a truly authentic style as the actors are chosen every year from the Montblanc townsfolk. The only prerequisite stipulated is that all girls trying out for the Princess must be eighteen, while all prospective Sant Jordis must be twenty one.

Getting There

Train: RENFE Regional (Barcelona-Lleida line) 902 24 02 02
Bus: Hispano Igualadina 938 044 451
Car: Autopista AP-7 from Barcelona

More information:

http://www.fut.es/~stjordi/principa-in.htm
http://www.montblancmedieval.org/

culTOURa : Trips in English to the Folkloric and Fantastical "Festes" of Catalonia

culTOURa wants people to experience the sometimes strange, always stunning, Catalan customs. Throughout the year, festivals and "Festes" turn the Catalan towns into magical kingdoms of Giants, Human Castles, Dragons and Devils. culTOURa brings these traditions alive for visitors in an alternative form of cultural tourism, while promoting Catalonia as a place with its own unique identity.

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