L'Ou com balla "Dancing Egg"

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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 Catalunya, 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 many locations to see the curious tradition of the dancing egg.

Another tradition you can experience are the catifes (carpets) made of flowers. Traditionally made with petals, whole flowers and grass, now their makers, catifaires, experiment with other materials such as seeds, sawdust and wood shavings dyed with aniline, coffee grounds, coffee capsules and other recycled materials.

The designs represent various things, which may be linked to the religious aspects of Corpus Christi, local themes, events and so on. Their origins are remote, going back to the flowers and herbs used to decorate Roman homes in the spring, like the enramades (branch decorations) although floral decorations are common to all cultures.

You can download the full program of activities, catifes and dancing eggs from barcelona.cat.

For more events check our online events calendar.