Crazy Barcelona Traditions: L'Ou Com Balla (The Dancing Egg!)
The Eggcellent Dance Craze You Didn't Know Existed
Ever wondered if eggs could dance? Well, in Barcelona, they absolutely can – at least during Corpus Christi! This quirky tradition, called "L'Ou Com Balla" (which translates to "The Dancing Egg"), involves a hollowed-out egg waltzing on the surface of a water fountain's jet. It's a sight that's equal parts funny and fascinating!
A Tradition with a Secret Past:
No one knows for sure exactly when this egg-cellent tradition began. Some whispers say it goes all the way back to the 1400s, with the first written proof appearing in Barcelona Cathedral archives in 1440. There are a few guesses about why it started:
Party Favors for the Rich: Maybe during Corpus Christi parades, the dancing egg was a fun way to entertain the fancy folks watching the festivities.
A Symbol of New Beginnings: The egg, a symbol of life starting fresh, could represent the celebratory spirit of Corpus Christi, a feast day honoring the body of Christ.
A Water Pressure Check: Perhaps the dancing egg was a way to see if the fountain had good, strong water flow!
Catching the Eggs in Action:
These days, you can mostly find L'Ou Com Balla in Barcelona and nearby towns during Corpus Christi, which usually happens in May or June. The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is where the tradition shines brightest, with historic fountains hosting the delicate dance of these quirky eggs.
More Than Just Dancing Eggs:
The celebration isn't just about the eggs (though they are the stars!). The courtyards around the fountains are often decorated with beautiful spring flowers, creating a vibrant scene. Traditional Catalan music might fill the air, adding to the festive vibes.
Beyond its Origin, How Does an Egg Dance?
The secret behind the dancing egg lies in its preparation. Before placing the egg on the fountain's jet, it is carefully emptied and the hole is sealed with wax. This creates a lightweight shell that can easily spin and twirl on the water's current, giving the illusion of an egg dancing.
Adapting to Water Scarcity
However, this year, the ongoing drought and climate crisis have compelled organizers to adapt the celebration. Some fountains will not have running water, prompting the entities responsible for organizing this tradition to seek alternative solutions. While the exact details of these alternatives are yet to be announced, it is likely that they will involve using recycled water or creating temporary water features.
Preserving a Beloved Tradition
Despite the challenges posed by water scarcity, organizers are committed to preserving this beloved tradition. The dancing egg is a unique and captivating spectacle that has been enjoyed by generations of Barcelonians and visitors alike. By finding creative and sustainable solutions, organizers can ensure that this tradition continues to bring joy and wonder to the city for many years to come.
When I can see the next egg dance?
Barcelona's unique tradition, L'Ou Com Balla (The Dancing Egg), is back this year, bringing a touch of whimsy to the celebration of Corpus Christi. This year, the festivities take place from Thursday, May 30th to Sunday, June 2nd, 2024.
The Cathedral of Barcelona will be the heart of this tradition, but it won’t be the only place to spot it. Here you have the full list of places where you can find egg:
Arxiu Històric de la Ciutat - Casa de l'Ardiaca (C. de Santa Llúcia, 1)
Thursday 30th, from 10 am to 8 pm, with open doors; Friday and Saturday, from 10 am to 7:30 pm.
Ateneu Barcelonès (C. de la Canuda, 6)
Thursday 30th, from 11 am to 8 pm, with open doors.
Capitania General (Pg. de Colom, 14)
Thursday 30th, Friday 31st, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd, from 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Jardins de Rubió i Lluch (C. de l'Hospital, 56)
From Thursday, May 30th to Sunday, June 2nd, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Catedral de Barcelona (Pla de la Seu, s/n).
Thursday 30th, from 10 am to 8 pm. Friday 31st and Saturday 1st, from 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm. Sunday,June 2nd from 11 am to 2 pm.
Museu Frederic Marès (Pl. de Sant Iu, 5)
Thursday 30th, Friday 31st and Saturday 1st from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 2nd from 11 am to 8 pm.
Pati del Museu Marítim (Av. de les Drassanes, s/n)
From Thursday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Claustre de la Basílica de la Puríssima Concepció (C. Aragó, 299)
From Thursday, May 30th to Thursday, June 6th, from 8 am to 9 pm (30/05) and from 8 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm (from 31/05 to 06/06).
Col·legi Escolàpies de Llúria (C. Aragó, 302)
From Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st, from 7 pm to 6 pm.
Centre Cívic Can Deu (Pl. Concòrdia, 13)
Thursday, from 9 am to 9 pm.
Claustre del monestir de Pedralbes (Baixada del Monestir, 9)
Thursday and Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday, from 10 am to 7 pm; and Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm, with open doors Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Carrer de la Llibertat (C. de la Llibertat)
Sunday, June 2nd, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Espai Albert Munsons (C. de l'Alzina, 9)
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 2 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Masia de Can Cadena (C. de Menorca, 25)
From Thursday 30th to Sunday 2nd. On the 30th and 31st it can be seen from the street. On the 1st and 2nd it can be visited from 10 am to 2 pm.
Oratori de Sant Felip Neri de Gràcia (C. del Sol, 8)
From Thursday to Sunday, from 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Parròquia del Sant Àngel Custodi (C. de Vilardell, 50)
From Thursday, May 30th to Sunday, June 2nd, from 9 am to 9 pm.
Taller Sant Camil (C. Ercilla, 57)
Friday 31st and Saturday 1st, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Torre de la Sagrera (C. de Berenguer de Palou, 64-66)
From Friday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
Parc de Sant Martí (Pl. d'Ignasi Juliol, s/n)
Saturday 1st, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Parròquia de Santa Maria del Taulat (C. Pujades, 210)
From Thursday 30th to Sunday 2nd, during the parish's opening hours.
Please note: Opening hours and access may vary depending on the location. It is recommended to check the official websites or contact the venues directly for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Information:
Corpus Christi is a Catholic feast day that celebrates the Body and Blood of Christ. It is typically celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which falls in May or June.
Open Door Days are a common tradition in Barcelona during Corpus Christi, allowing visitors to explore the city's historic buildings and monuments for free or at a reduced price.
The events listed above are just a sample of the many Open Door Days that will be taking place in Barcelona during Corpus Christi. For a more comprehensive list, please visit the official tourism website for Barcelona.
A Tradition That Endures:
L'Ou Com Balla is a cherished local tradition, offering a glimpse into Barcelona's unique cultural heritage. While not as widespread as it once was, it continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. So, if you're in Barcelona during Corpus Christi, don't miss this opportunity to see eggs defy gravity and experience the magic of L'Ou Com Balla!