Barcelona's iconic Sant Jordi Bookstore, located on Calle Ferran, is set to close its doors, leaving local residents and literary enthusiasts feeling bereaved. Since the passing of Josep Morales, the beloved owner, the community has rallied to support the store by purchasing books and sharing memories.
The tragic news spread rapidly, prompting friends, neighbors, and strangers alike to flock to the store, eager to witness this cultural landmark before it vanishes. "Es maravillosa la acogida que estamos teniendo," Cristina Riera, Josep's wife, remarked, expressing gratitude for the warmth from the community. Many locals feel deeply connected to the store, which has become synonymous with artistic and educational enrichments over the decades.
Passersby on the central Calle Ferran have been captivated by the window displays featuring stunning book covers related to art, cinema, literature, and children's stories. Visitors to the store have shared how they wanted to come before it permanently shuts down. One young woman, waiting for nearly half an hour to enter, confessed, "I always paused to look, but I never actually went inside. I had to come now, before it’s too late."
The sense of urgency has intensified during the Christmas season, with residents eager to grab unique gifts from this timeless source. One local man, encouraged by friends to visit, mentioned, "I already knew the store and came here to find the best Christmas gift; there aren’t many places left to find old books like these."
Alas, it is precisely this sense of history and culture imbued within Sant Jordi Bookstore, which highlights the loss its closure will bring. Established in the 1980s, the store boasts unique collections painstakingly gathered by both Josep and his father. Their collective effort formed what many call priceless literary and artistic treasures. Pere Riera, Cristina’s brother, who has stepped up to assist during this trying time, reminisces about how his family has seen numerous generations appreciate their offerings. “Eran unos visionarios,” he said, echoing the sentiment of many customers who see the potential loss as irreplaceable.
For this special occasion, the family has unveiled select books, including works by renowned artists such as Antoni Tàpies and Joan Miró, which had been tucked away for years. “Las tenemos que mantener,” explains Pilar Rahola, journalist and cultural advocate, adding urgency to the situation, “No podemos perder estas joyas. Perder una joya como Sant Jordi es perder parte del alma de Barcelona.”
Although every day sees lines snaking around the block, the family faces the harsh reality of relocation. With the lease due to expire soon, they are actively negotiating with the city to have another independent bookseller to take over and maintain not just the business, but the cherished collection. Cristina holds hope, stating, "Lo ideal sería que otro librero se quedara con la colección de Josep y de su padre,” though acknowledges the complexity of the necessary permissions struggles.
The closure of the Sant Jordi Bookstore marks not only the end of its business but also the fading of independent bookstores from El Gòtic, which have been gradually swallowed up by gentrification. Many Barbarians are voicing their nostalgia and regrets over witnessing something they love slip away. “Es un Sant Jordi tras otro Sant Jordi, no tenemos descanso,” lamented Pere, observing the overwhelming response from the public. “Que tanta gente haya venido… tiene un valor simbólico,” he added with emotion.
Despite their struggles, the family will continue to greet the numerous individuals drawn to the bookstore each day, sharing their nostalgia, until the final bell tolls on this beloved literary sanctuary.
