On April 23rd the Government of Catalonia’s Delegation in Washington held a reception to celebrate Catalonia’s patron saint day, and to explain the unique Catalan tradition of the Rose and the Book to an American audience. 

The Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the United States held a Sant Jordi’s day reception at The Loft, in downtown Washington DC, to celebrate Catalonia’s patron saint day and to explain one of Catalonia’s most unique and beloved traditions, amongst guests which included representatives of the federal government, Capitol Hill, influential think tanks, press and members of the Catalan community.

The Head of the Delegation to the United States, Andrew Davis, offered words of welcome, and explained the tradition of the book and the rose, the two integral parts of the Sant Jordi celebration in Catalonia. Invitees also received English-language translations of some of the most influential works of Catalan literature, including The Gray Notebook (Quadern Gris) by Josep Plà and Lost Luggage (Maletes Perdudes) by Jordí Puntí.

The highlight of the evening was a curated tasting of wines from the Priorat Region, led by Catalan sommelier Lucas Payà (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaspaya).   Payà gave the hundred attendees a brief explanation of the oenological history of the Priorat region, the peculiarities of the conditions its soil and climate, and the grape varieties most commonly found there.  The tasting included 14 of the Priorat’s top vineyards and was organized by Lucas Payà in collaboration with the Regulatory Board (https://www.doqpriorat.org/en) of the Priorat Wine Region, which sponsored the event.