In Spain, and especially in Catalonia, Lovers’ Day is celebrated on April 23. The holiday harkens back to the legend of St. George, who has been the patron saint of Barcelona since the 15th century. The story goes that the man who would go on to be named St. George was a high-ranking officer in the Army of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who reigned during the 3rd and 4th centuries. He was beheaded at Lydda, Palestine for refusing to follow Diocletian’s order to execute Christians. George was canonized in 494 by Pope Gelasius, and has since become the patron saint of several cities around the world.
