There are days when social media puts aside ranting and mudslinging. They are rare, but they exist. Yesterday was one. The main topics of conversation, not discussion, at X were about books and roses. It is appreciated The images of authors and readers in the streets of Barcelona instill some hope in times of uncertainty, such as the ones we are currently living in.
In Gaza, peace is neither there nor waiting for it, while Ukraine is asking for more weapons to repel the attacks of the Russian army. Europe will decide its voting future in a month and a half, and in Spain we are no stranger to problems. Housing is one of the most important. In fact, the Bank of Spain certified that 600,000 homes are needed, when the private sector is barely able to build 10,000 properties a year. At this rate, the market will adjust in 2084. The road is full of bends. That’s why days like yesterday are to be savored.
Sant Jordi once again brought together writers and readers and reconciles to see that we Spaniards continue to bet on culture. According to the Federation of Publishers Guilds of Spain (FGEE), reading habits remain stable among Spaniards after the pandemic. Two out of three citizens read in their free time, either a book or a newspaper, and one out of two acquired a novel, an essay or a volume of poetry in the last year.
Sant Jordi’s Day also filled the streets with roses again. A tradition that, thanks to social networks, is also spreading to other parts of the country. It is also to be appreciated.
But since everything is in the vineyard of the Lord, in Sant Jordi there was also some dissonant note with the atmosphere of fraternization. Feijóo proposed to Puigdemont “that the Constitution be read”, and Jorge Azcón, president of Aragon, made the joke of the day by stating that “in Catalonia Saint George is celebrated because in Aragon Saint George is celebrated”. Vox – which went so far as to demand the censorship, among others, of the theatrical performance La villana de Getafe, by Lope de Vega – cited the author as an example of “Spaniards who were part of the Terços and who wielded the sword and pen in equal parts”. A curious celebration for those who do not want some works to be enjoyed: “Today is your day, thank you for that!”.
We were told that we would come out of the pandemic stronger, but day-to-day life casts doubt on that. What became clear yesterday is that we are happy for Sant Jordi. And this is important in these times.
