CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: Festes de Gràcia

From the organization of ESEB Barcelona 2025 congress, we are looking for volunteers from Barcelona to collaborate in the creation and production of  material with evolution and diversity as the main theme to decorate one of the streets at the Gràcia Festival in Barcelona (Carrer Perill), from August 15 to 21, 2025. The objective is to use this street as a tool for scientific outreach  on biodiversity and evolution, seeking to strengthen the relationship between citizens, the neighborhood, and science with a special interest in evolution.

About the festival

Les Festes de Gràcia, also known as the Gràcia Festival, is one of Barcelona’s most vibrant and celebrated local festivities. Held annually in mid-August, typically from August 15th to 21st, this event transforms the Gràcia neighborhood into a colorful and lively spectacle. This event is renowned for its community spirit and artistic flair.

The highlight of the festivities is the street decorations. Each street in the Gràcia district competes to create the most elaborate and imaginative decorations, often themed around various concepts ranging from fairy tales to historical events. The residents of Gràcia spend months preparing for this event, and their creativity and dedication result in stunning displays that attract visitors from all over the world.

In addition to the remarkable street decorations, Les Festes de Gràcia features various activities and entertainment. These include live music and Performances, traditional Catalan activities, gastronomy, workshops, and family activities.

BCN ESEB 25: Evolution and Diversity at “Les Festes de Gràcia”

In this context, the organizers of ESEB 2025 are collaborating with the science communication association La Ciència Al Teu Món (LCATM) in the organization of a series of satellite outreach activities during Les Festes de Gràcia, taking place from August 16th to 21st.

By incorporating themes of evolution and biodiversity into the street decorations, the initiative aims to highlight the relevance of evolution and the impact of ESEB 2025 in Barcelona. It also seeks to foster a dynamic of co-creation and mutual exchange between local residents and both local and international evolutionary biologists attending the congress.

This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of the Barcelona City Council, the 44 Perill Association (responsible for decorating Carrer Perill in the Gràcia neighborhood), and the Spanish Society of Evolutionary Biology (SESBE).

Proposed Activities:

• Micro-talks, informal discussions, and science shows blending evolution, arts, and music
• Recycling initiative: A proposal to repurpose non-toxic plastic laboratory materials from research centers as raw materials for street decorations.
• Active learning and co-creation: Encouraging residents to create allegorical decorations and ornaments to communicate evolutionary concepts engagingly and interactively.
• Special visits and activities at Perill Street for ESEB attendees. 

Through these activities, ESEB 2025 will extend beyond academic discussions, fostering a meaningful and lasting impact on Barcelona’s scientific literacy while enhancing the festival’s community-driven spirit.

Volunteering

The volunteering role will require fulfilling responsibilities such as:

• Participating in brainstorming on the topic, content, and elements related to evolution and diversity that will inspire the street decorations,
• setting up some outreach activities,
• collaborating in producing and setting up the decorations with the neighborhood,
• and providing information to visitors during the activity days, providing explanations and information during one of the days of the event.

How to join

Complete this form to learn more: https://forms.gle/HNceLGkMpw2vKTiVA

We encourage you not to miss this great opportunity to intertwine the culture and diversity of one of Barcelona’s most important neighborhoods with the innovative and contemporary theme of evolutionary biology.