Blog #Freepik

April 23rd, is St George's Day (Dia de San Jorge) in England and Diada de Sant Jordi in Cataluña, Spain. It is also World Book Day (Dia Mundial del Libro).

April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains. April here in southern Spain is the start of Spring, a little earlier than in Britain, and plants and trees are starting to push out shoots and buds. It's a good time to start planting. April is also a busy month for us socially, especially this year, 2025.

Just as I am preparing to apply for Spanish citizenship – deadline end of January – the country is doing its best to put me off going ahead! First of all, two of Spain’s police forces have p**sed me off big-style and on top of that two places have convinced me never to visit again. What’s the story?

Today celebrates the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, Son of God. Christians the world over consider today to be one of the most important days in the religious calendar. In many Roman Catholic countries, it is an official “feast day” or bank holiday.