Love across borders

On 23 April, it’s that time again: Sant Jordi is just around the corner. A day when love in all its forms is celebrated, including Love across borders.

In an increasingly internationalised world, more and more people are finding love outside their own cultural bubble. Intercultural relationships can be incredibly enriching: you get to know each other’s customs, languages and perspectives. But they also bring unique challenges. Think of different views on family, communication or traditions.

A look at Sant Jordi

On the 23rd of April, Catalonia celebrates its patron saint: Sant Jordi. What once started as a religious commemoration has become the most beloved holiday of the year – a day when love and culture take centre stage. All over Barcelona, Catalan flags fly on balconies and La Rambla turns into a bustling boulevard full of book stalls and rose sellers.

According to legend, the Roman knight Jordi (or George) refused to persecute Christians and was therefore martyred and beheaded. As early as the 8th century, his veneration arose, which spread throughout Catalonia in the Middle Ages. Since 1456, he has officially been patron saint of Catalonia.

During Sant Jordi, lovers give each other a book and a rose – a symbol of love as well as cultural identity. Books in Catalan take centre stage, as this day is also a powerful tribute to the Catalan language and culture. What Valentine’s Day is to lovers, Sant Jordi is to all of Catalonia: warm, romantic and deep-rooted.

Sant Jordi is the Catalan festival where love and culture come together: roses for romance, books for spirit. But what happens when love transcends the boundaries of language and culture?

The Challenges of Love Across Borders

According to sociologists, intercultural relationships offer opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange. Partners get to know each other’s customs, norms and values, which can lead to greater mutual understanding and openness. Many international students experience these relationships as enriching their worldview.

Yet the road is not always without obstacles. Differences in communication, religion, views on gender roles or family expectations can cause tensions. For instance, it may be natural for one partner to discuss feelings openly, while for the other it is seen as inappropriate. Language barriers and misunderstandings around body language can also lead to frustration.

In addition, the environment plays a role. Intercultural couples may face misunderstanding from family or friends. In some cases, relationships are even frowned upon by the community of one of the partners. This can put extra pressure on the relationship, especially for those who are already far from home.

Yet experts stress that differences are not necessarily problematic. ‘The most important thing is communication and willingness to learn from each other,’ argues a researcher in the field of cross-cultural psychology. ‘Couples who are open to each other’s backgrounds can actually come out of these differences stronger.’

While there can certainly be bumps in the road, many couples show that mutual respect and curiosity can provide a solid foundation for a lasting relationship.

Love across borders – also beyond Sant Jordi

On Sant Jordi, Catalans celebrate love and the power of culture, with roses and books as symbols of connection. But love that crosses borders sometimes requires just a little more.

In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the topic of intercultural relationships. According to sociologists, such relationships are an opportunity for personal growth: partners get to know each other’s language, customs and worldview. Yet there are also challenges – from cultural differences to language barriers to family or community expectations.

Yet it turns out: with open communication, curiosity and respect, you can bridge a lot. Just as Sant Jordi symbolises overcoming obstacles and celebrating difference.

Listen to the story of Nienke and Kirsten, who talk openly about the beautiful and difficult sides of intercultural love: