April 1 is the deadline for high school groups to register to attend the second annual celebration of St. George’s Day, or Diada de Sant Jordi, at Cal U.
The Art and Languages Department and Cal U’s Manderino Library will mark the holiday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 27 in the library.
High school classes may attend the free celebration along with Cal U students, faculty, staff and community members.
Prizes, including art supplies, will be awarded to students who create medieval-style artworks for the event.
About St. George’s Day
St. George’s Day is an important national feast day in Spain. It honors the medieval knight George who, according to Spanish lore, slew a dragon that was terrorizing a village and rescued a princess who was about to be sacrificed to the beast.
Tradition calls for men to honor the knight’s bravery on St. George’s Day by presenting women with a rose.
In modern times, sweethearts, loved ones and colleagues also exchange books on the holiday, since it falls close to the dates of death for authors Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare. UNESCO has declared this holiday the International Day of the Book.
Cal U celebrates St. George’s Day
Cal U’s St. George’s Day event includes free Hispanic and Arabic foods.
Students from Cal U Spanish classes will present medieval Spanish poetry and lead fun Spanish activities with prizes for students. A 10-foot dragon and other artworks created by Cal U and high school art students will be on display.
Other activities include:
- Visiting artist lectures.
- Arabic mejlis cushion display.
- Henna painting, Arabic tea and coffee.
- Poster display about Arabic language and culture.
- Arabic writing and music.
Faculty authors and local writers will be on hand to sell their books, and a display will focus on summer reading choices.
Join us
Admission to the St. George’s Day celebration at Cal U is free. Visiting schools will follow an organized schedule as they enjoy the activities.
ArtandLanguages@calu.edu