An egg dancing on water. This is not something you see everyday but in Barcelona this tradition has taken place since the 1600s. L’Ou Com Balla is quite the sight to see. Each year people gather to watch as a tiny little egg floats on top of a beautifully-decorated fountain. There are 17 of these guys spread around Barcelona in celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi. Take the family to watch as the little egg struts its stuff.

A Little History

The Feast of Corpus Christi is held in honor of the Holy Eucharist and its connection to the body and blood of Jesus Christ. There are two different theories about the egg’s use in the festivities. One theory is that the egg is thought to represent the Eucharist. Another theory says the egg represents fertility and new life, but it isn’t confirmed which one is correct. There is a lot of mystery surrounding this tradition but it is still continued and loved by all of the people participating. The tradition starting somewhere around 1637 at the Barcelona Cathedral. Another location was added shortly after, and then more and more after that. Eventually 17 locations were created for the eggs. The festivities have spread all around Catalunya and parts of Spain. You don’t want to miss being apart of this odd, but amazing tradition. 

How It Works

It’s not typical that an egg possesses the capabilities of floating on water like this. In order for this to work the egg must be prepared for floatation. The egg gets carefully drained of its yolk and whites and then the hole is sealed by wax. It is then placed on top of the fountain and is able to dance and hop because of its lightweightedness. With perfect execution the egg stays atop the shooting water and tumbles around, but sometimes the egg will fall and then shoot back up again. It’s very entertaining to watch it move around the water. Above all, this tradition is very fun for the kids. Take your children and try to find all 17 as a little scavenger hunt! Most are located around the gothic quarter so I suggest starting there.

             When and Where to See It

The festivities take place here from Thursday, June 20th until Sunday, June 23rd. The festivities occur 60 days after Easter every year, therefore these listed dates will change for next year.

Where to see it

So, if you want to get an up close look at the dancing eggs here is a list of places to find them:

• Arxiu de la Corona d’Aragó – Palau del Lloctinent. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer dels Comtes, 2
• Arxiu Històric de la Ciutat de Barcelona – Casa de l’Ardiaca. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 1
• Ateneu Barcelonés. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer de la Canuda, 6
• Carrer d’Elisabets. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Interior garden in Carrer d’Elisabets
• Centre Cívic Can Deu Les Corts District. Address: Plaça; Carrer de la Concòrdia, 13
• Barcelona Cathedral cloister. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Pla de la Seu, 3
• Santa Anna Church cloister. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer de Santa Anna, 29
• Basílica de la Puríssima Concepció cloister. Eixample District. Address: Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 70
• Col·legi Escolàpies de Llúria. Eixample District. Address: Carrer d’Aragó, 302
• Jardins de Rubió i Lluch. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer de l’Hospital, 56
• Museu Frederic Marès Ciutat Vella District. Address: Plaça de Sant Iu, 5
• Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer de Montcada, 12-14
• Museu Marítim de Barcelona Ciutat Vella District. Address: Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/n
• Sant Jeroni de Montbau church. Horta-Guinardó District. Address: Plaça de Mossèn Ferran Palau, 3
• Reial Acadèmia de Bones Lletres. Ciutat Vella District. Address: Carrer del Bisbe Caçador, 3
• Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes Les Corts District. Address: Baixada del Monestir, 9
• Taller-Escola Sant Camil Horta-Guinardó District. Address: Jardins de la Casa de Repòs de Sant Camil. Access: Carrer de Sales i Ferré, 60

Sadly this festival only lasts once a year so you can only enjoy it if you are in town during this time. Otherwise, you can check out our article about fun family friendly things to do in Barcelona in one day for more information about other things to do in Barcelona.

If you are going to stay in Barcelona with kids near the Cathedral we suggest the Family tour through the gothic quarter, available in english, french or german.