of Books and Roses quickly grew in popularity, under the Spanish dictatorship of Francisco Franco, from 1936 to 1975, Catalan language and culture was repressed, and Sant Jordi celebrations were prohibited In 1995, UNESCO adopted April 23 as "International Book Day" and decreed the book as the most important instrument in the dissemination of knowledge. in 2015 Barcelona was named as an UNESCO City of Literature, central to the candidacy was the unique celebration of books and roses. In 2017 a group of Catalan publishers, booksellers, florists, and other professionals presented an application to UNESCO to have the Day of Books and Roses recognized as Intangible Heritage. References External links Books and Roses Short video about the day. Catalan folklore Catalan culture Books Holidays Saint George's Day