Experience Sant Jordi in Barcelona during EBART 2026
Attending EBART 2026 not only means taking part in the renowned international congress on assisted reproduction, it will also be an opportunity to enjoy the magic of one of Catalonia’s most cherished cultural celebrations: Sant Jordi’s Day!
This unique coincidence offers our attendees the opportunity to combine the advanced scientific discussions with an experience rooted in local tradition, love, and the symbolism of life.
The legend of Sant Jordi
The story of Sant Jordi (Saint George) has been told for centuries. According to legend, a dragon terrorized a town in Catalonia, demanding daily sacrifices. When the king’s daughter was chosen, a young knight named Jordi confronted the beast. With his lance, he defeated the dragon—and from the drops of blood that fell to the ground, a rose bush miraculously bloomed. Sant Jordi picked a single red rose and offered it to the princess.
This legend, where death gives way to life through a flower, resonates also with the values of reproductive medicine: the triumph of hope, the transformation of challenges into possibilities, and the beauty of creating new beginnings. Just as science helps transform difficulties in reproduction into the possibility of parenthood, the myth of Sant Jordi reminds us of resilience, love, and the miracle of renewal.
A celebration of books, roses, and life
Every year on April 23rd, Barcelona becomes an open-air festival. Streets are lined with bookshops and flower stalls, filling the city with color, fragrance, and creativity. Traditionally, roses are given as symbols of affection, and books are exchanged as tokens of culture and knowledge. Today, this custom has expanded so that everyone gifts both books and roses, as an expression of love, friendship, and intellectual curiosity.
This vibrant day also coincides with World Book Day, established by UNESCO, making Sant Jordi not only a local but also a global celebration of literature and the human spirit.
What to do in Barcelona on April 23rd?
- Streets in bloom and in print: Walk through emblematic avenues such as Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, and Las Ramblas, where hundreds of book and flower stalls transform the city center.
- Meet authors and creators: Many renowned writers—local and international—sign their works, engaging with readers in a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
- Joyful energy everywhere: Music, cultural performances, and the warm participation of locals make this day one of the most unforgettable experiences in Barcelona.
A unique experience for EBART 2026 participants
This year, EBART coincides with Sant Jordi, offering a wonderful opportunity to combine science and culture, research and tradition, knowledge and celebration. Between congress sessions, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s most emblematic day, where the exchange of roses and books reminds us—much like our field of assisted reproduction—that life is a story we create together.
