Cercas believes the day is a «small miracle» and Bosch assures it is a magical day
Authors and readers have once again filled the streets and reunited at the Diada de Sant Jordi in Barcelona, with a great citizen participation of all ages and sunny weather that has encouraged strolling through the streets of the Catalan capital.
Authors such as Javier Cercas, Alicia Kellen, Xavier Bosch, Sílvia Bosch, Irene Solà, Ildefonso Falcones, Toni Cruanyes, Fernando Aramburu, Enrique Vila-Matas, Sergi Pàmies, Inma Rubiales, Paloma Sánchez-Garnica, and Sara Mesa have participated in book signings, among many others.
Javier Cercas, author of ‘El loco de Dios en el fin del mundo’, one of the favorites to be the best-selling book, has stated that Sant Jordi «is fabulous, it’s a small miracle.»
Another favorite for being among the best sellers, Xavier Bosch, has said that for him, each Sant Jordi has magic and every time a reader asks him to sign a story he has dedicated two years to, it is «truly exciting.»
Alice Kellen, one of the authors who had long lines to sign, has said that it is a day «that empties you a bit because it’s overwhelming,» and she considers it important to promote reading from school.
«BLESSED MADNESS»
Writer María Dueñas has highlighted that the celebration is «a blessed madness» and has praised the closeness of the readers who have been waiting for her since the morning at the stand.
Musician Manolo García has explained that for him Sant Jordi is an «explosion of culture and joy,» enveloping people and giving them life, representing a spiritual connection to individuals.
Writer Blue Jeans stated this Wednesday that readers are «the most important part» of a story, so having a moment to chat with them and get to know them, and seeing people queuing or taking days off to meet him, makes him feel very fortunate and privileged.
Writer Irene Solà has said that this edition of Sant Jordi is a «special, fun, and intense» day, and author Sílvia Soler has expressed her gratitude to all the people who have come despite the heat and has described the Diada as fantastic.
BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL
Writer Juan Gómez-Jurado has expressed his excitement to come and sign at his «19th consecutive Sant Jordi,» explaining that this time he is accompanied by his son, and affirming that it is a festival that is difficult to explain if you don’t experience it.
On the other hand, Javier Sierra has emphasized that Sant Jordi «is the day that breaks that fourth wall between writers and readers,» where they can share confidences mutually, defining it as the most magical day of the year.
Journalist Toni Cruanyes mentioned that he is very excited to participate in this Sant Jordi with his book ‘La dona del segle,’ seeing it as an opportunity to connect with his readers: «They brought me some anchovies and a painting.»
Writer and winner of the latest Planeta Prize, Paloma Sánchez-Garnica, has described the Diada de Sant Jordi as a day «of magic but chaos.»
A HOLY WEEK «WITHOUT FLOATS»
Writer and cartoonist Nazario praised the celebration of Sant Jordi, saying that it is nice to see people buying books and roses, although he pointed out that there are a lot of people: «It’s like the Holy Week in Seville but without floats.»
In the same vein, writer Sergi Pàmies highlighted how wonderful Sant Jordi day is, although he issued a warning: «By overcrowding everything, I think we put it at risk.»
DEBUTANTS
French writer Pierre Lemaitre stated in his first participation in the Diada de Sant Jordi that «there is no equivalent» to this day, considering it an exceptional event.
Among the debutants, Italian Francesca Giannone said the festival «exceeded expectations» and wished that every city had its own Sant Jordi.
Journalist and writer Silvia Intxaurrondo mentioned finding a «magical Barcelona» in her first Diada de Sant Jordi in the Catalan capital, during the signing of her book ‘Solas en el silencio.’
Not a debut, but illustrator Paula Bonet said she is «excited and with hands full of ink» after 4 years without participating in book signings at Sant Jordi.
The president of the Cambra del Llibre, Patrici Tixis, stated that the forecasts for this Diada de Sant Jordi are «very good,» due to the weather and the activity that already took place this past Tuesday in bookstores.
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FUENTE