By RENATA BRITO
Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Hundreds of Catalans left yellow roses at a central Barcelona square Monday in support of jailed separatists they view as political prisoners in their campaign to break away from Spain.
It gave a political overtone to the celebration of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of the Catalan region, known in English as St. George. The festivity also coincides with World Book Day.
Legend has it that the saint killed a deadly dragon and a red rose appeared from its flesh. So Catalans give a book and a red rose as gifts to mark the day.
But amid Catalonia's struggle for independence, many have chosen yellow roses instead, a color that symbolizes the secessionist movement.
As for literature, books on Catalan history were among the most sold in street stalls.
"There's a bit of sadness this year," said 76-year-old Marion Greiner after hanging three yellow flowers at the memorial in Catalonia Square.
Nine separatists are currently in prison awaiting trial for their roles in last year's failed attempt to gain independence from Spain. The events in the northeastern region have shaken politics and created the country's deepest political crisis in four decades since the return of democratic rule.
Greiner said that she would also be giving both a yellow and a red rose to each of her three daughters.
Demand for the lemon-colored flower has increased so much that one Barcelona florist imported 40,000 more this year than she usually does and almost all had sold ahead of time.
On the streets of Barcelona, sidewalks turned into open-air markets with book and flower stands attracting large crowds.
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(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti). People place yellow roses on a memorial for jailed separatists, whom independence supporters consider to be political prisoners, as Catalans celebrate the day of their patron saint, Spain, Monday, April 23, 2018. One of the...
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti). People buy books at makeshift stands as Catalans celebrate the day of their patron saint in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, April 23, 2018. One of the most important holidays in Catalan culture, the day of Sant Jordi or Saint Geo...
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti). People crowd along the historic Las Ramblas promenade of Barcelona to buy books and roses at makeshift stands as Catalans celebrate the day of their patron saint, Spain, Monday, April 23, 2018. One of the most important hol...
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti). A woman places a yellow rose on a memorial for jailed separatists, whom independence supporters consider to be political prisoners, as Catalans celebrate the day of their patron saint, Spain, Monday, April 23, 2018. One of ...