Following tradition, Corpus Christi brings the ou com balla (dancing egg)!
The festivities are accompanied by activities such as open houses and a procession.
Every year at around this time, the centre of Barcelona is decorated to celebrate Corpus Christi with the iconic ou com balla (dancing egg). Years ago, the Barcelona City Council, along with the Cathedral of Barcelona, revived one of the oldest and most beloved local traditions celebrated throughout history. The dancing egg has been a feature of Corpus Christi since the year 1637. It consists in making an egg ‘dance’, floating on the water jets in the fountains of the cathedral cloisters, courtyards and gardens, which are decorated for the occasion with floral motifs and cherries. One of the most interesting aspects of this tradition is that scholars cannot agree on its origins. Some believe that it is a metaphor of the circle of life and a reference to time, while others believe it is simply an entertaining mediaeval game. Regardless, it’s the perfect chance to visit the oldest buildings in the city, which are hosting open houses so that all citizens can enjoy them. Plus the Corpus Christi procession is also held, a Barcelona tradition that has been around since 1320, which had been the central event in what used to be the town festival.
The celebrations of Corpus Christi will be from 20 to 23 June following the timetables of the different venues participating in it. They include the Barcelona City Council, the Archive of the Crown of Aragon, the Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona, the Ateneu Barcelonès, the Rubió i Lluch Gardens, the Frederic Marès Museum and the Royal Academy of Belles Lettres, among others. Venues outside the centre of Barcelona are also joining in on the festivities, such as the Plaça de la Virreina and the Monastery of Pedralbes.
All the activities are free of charge and open to the public. You can find more information on the Barcelona City Council website.