This week Corpus Christi is celebrated, and as tradition dictates since 1637, it is the day of “l’Ou com balla” (the dancing egg). From May 30th to June 2nd, 2024, you will be able to see this beautiful tradition in different historical buildings of the city. It’s a good time to take advantage of the open doors of many of them and special activities. This year, in addition, in-person visits are back, and you will be able to enjoy new activities in different parts of the city.

PROGRAM 2024: Corpus Barcelona 2024

L’OU COM BALLA 2024 IN BARCELONA

From May 30th to June 2nd, Corpus Christi is celebrated in Barcelona with the commemoration of its 700th anniversary. This year’s program features around fifty activities in 38 spaces spread across all districts of Barcelona.

Furthermore, for the first time, there will be flower carpets at Barcelona City Hall, as well as at the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, among others.

Don’t miss the flower carpets, the open doors, and all the activities: full program Corpus 2024 in Barcelona

You will be able to see around 20 “ous com balla” distributed in different spaces of the city, such as the Barcelona Cathedral, L’Ateneu, or the Pedralbes Monastery. There will also be presentations, workshops, dances, exhibitions, and bell ringing.

PROGRAM 2024: Corpus Barcelona 2024

L’OU COM BALLA TRADITION

It is not very clear where this beautiful tradition comes from. It is believed to be from the 15th century, but there is no exact date. It is also not very clear why it became a tradition, whether it is a Christian symbolism (the egg represents rebirth) or if it was a coincidence that turned into a tradition.

However, the spectacle is worth seeing. L’Ou com balla consists of placing an empty egg (with a point of melted wax that provides counterweight) on a fountain to make it dance.

Don’t miss the flower carpets, the open doors, and all the activities: Corpus Barcelona 2024

It can be seen in different parts of the city. Every year, we go to a different place to get to know them all. Here are some of our visits:

THE CATHEDRAL AND L’OU COM BALLA

Going to the Cathedral is always fun, even with children, as there are 13 geese in honor of its patron saint, Santa Eulalia, who died at the age of 13. I read a while ago that in reality, there are now only 12 geese and they couldn’t replace the thirteenth one because the geese have to be in pairs, but I can’t find it now, so don’t take my word for it. We also recommend visiting the terraces of the Cathedral; they will surprise you.

After seeing the geese, we went to see the fountain and the dancing egg. It is truly beautiful. On these days, the fountains are decorated with flowers and fruits. The “Font de Sant Jordi” in the cloister was decorated with cherries.

Leaving the Cathedral, we went to the house of l’Ardíaca (right next door, at Santa Llúcia Street, No. 1). Until then, I had passed by there countless times, but I was completely unaware of the beauty of this house.

L’OU COM BALLA AT LA CASA DE L’ARDÍACA

It’s also worth going because you can see l’ou com balla from its fountain from the upstairs, giving you another perspective of the spectacle.

As an anecdote, for those who, like me, were not familiar with this building, the modernist mailbox in the house, designed by Domènech i Muntaner, has a turtle that they say brings good luck if you touch it. The mailbox was built when this house served as the headquarters of the College of Lawyers, and it is said that the swallows symbolize the speed at which mail and judicial proceedings should move, while the turtle represents the slowness with which legal proceedings are resolved.

There are other places where you can see l’ou com balla. Most of them are nearby, so it’s worth visiting them on the same day.

PROGRAM 2024: Corpus Barcelona 2024

OTHER PLACES TO ENJOY THE CORPUS TRADITION IN BARCELONA

Many places are nearby, so it’s worth planning your route and visiting most of them. Here are some of our favorites.

L’OU COM BALLA AT L’ATENEU BARCELONÈS

L’Ateneu Barcelonès – It’s worth it because it’s usually a place accessible only to members. The courtyard and terrace where you can have a drink are simply sensational. Highly recommended. Here’s more information: L’ou com balla at L’Ateneu.

L’OU COM BALLA AT MUSEU FREDERIC MARÈS

As many of you who have been following us for a while know, this is one of our favorite spots. It’s ideal for having a drink with children if you’re visiting the Gothic Quarter due to its location next to the Cathedral, its tranquility It’s truly a dreamy place. Here’s more information: L’ou com balla at the Museu Frederic Marès.

Other places where you can see l’Ous com balla. Here’s a summary we made last year that can help you plan your itinerary. Some are in the city center, while others are not: other places to see l’ou com balla.

L’OU COM BALLA AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM OF BARCELONA

At the Maritime Museum, you can also enjoy the tradition of l’ou com balla during Corpus. We recommend visiting the museum’s garden, where you can experience this beautiful tradition at the water pond.

For more information, please visit; Museu Marítim de Barcelona