'The Dancing Egg' dances again in Barcelona

From the 4th to the 7th of June the city of Barcelona will feature numerous eggs dancing atop water fountains. Known in Catalonia as "L'ou com balla" (The Dancing Egg), this is the most popular and curious manifestation of the Corpus Christi celebrations; celebrations which, in Barcelona, are part of a tradition that goes back more than six hundred years. Established in the 13th century and extended throughout Christianity from the year 1316, the celebration has a religious component, in that it exalts the sacrament of the Eucharist, but has also over time become a social and cultural festival of great importance to the city.

L'ou com balla, which presumably has its origins in 1440, is a symbol of fertility and regeneration, a fact that is evidenced by the presence of water and the abundance of floral and other tributes that adorn the fountains. The tradition was recovered some years ago and has now extended to include numerous historical buildings throughout the city. Traditionally displayed in the cathedral cloisters and the Casa de l'Ardiaca, the Dancing Egg can now also be seen in the Museu Frederic Marès, the Acadèmia de les Bones Lletres, the Palau del Lloctinent and the Ateneu Barcelonès, among other locations. The full programme can be consulted here.

In addition to this curious tradition, the Corpus celebrations focus on the procession, which itself consists of two parts, the festive aspect, in which the Corteig Popular de Barcelona, complete with additions in accordance with protocol, will parade through the plaças and streets of the city centre accompanied by music, dancing and a host of imaginary festive figures, and the official Corpus Christi, which is a purely religious event.

L’ou com balla

When: from the 4th to the 7th of June

Tickets: free entrance

Where: differrent places

More information here