Dancing Egg 2021

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Photo by Vicente Zambrano González courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

L'ou com balla is one of Barcelona’s most unusual traditions and has marked the Corpus Christi celebrations since 1637. It is a custom that consists of making eggs dance on top of the spouts of water issuing from the fountains in the cloisters, patios and gardens, which are adorned for the occasion with floral arrangements and cherries.

The tradition, as unsophisticated as it is mysterious, arouses passions among scholars, who still argue about its origins and meaning. For some it is a metaphor of the cycle of life and a reference to time and unceasing movement. Others see in it a simple entertainment typical of the Middle Ages.

Regardless of the discussion about its origins, what is for sure is that the tradition has its roots in Catalonia, the only place in the whole world where eggs are made to dance. Thanks to its enormous popularity this celebration has found a place in the collective imagination of the people of Barcelona.

The springs and fountains of some cloisters and courtyards of the city show the game between water and an empty egg, enveloped by flowers. This year there will be may representations of the dancing egg. Check out the city's website for all the scheduled activities for Corpus Christi.

For a hint of what's in store, the city has prepared a virtual route so you can enjoy images of the ou com balla from previous years.

The virtual route of 'Ou com balla'

• L'Arxiu de la Corona d'Aragó - Palau del Lloctinent 
• L'Arxiu Històric de la Ciutat - Casa de l'Ardiaca
• L'Ateneu Barcelonès
• La Capitania General
• La Catedral
• El Centre Cívic Can Deu
• L'Església de Santa Anna
• Els Jardins de l'Hospital - Rubió i Lluch
• El Museu Etnològic i de les Cultures del Món - Palau del Marquès de Llió
• El Museu Frederic Marès
• El Museu Marítim
• La Reial Acadèmia de les Bones Lletres

For more events check our online events calendar.