There are some most peculiar customs and traditions in Catalunya, Spain; I guess most countries have their own too. Today, in Barcelona and most other Catalan cities, there would be eggs, imitating Anita Ekbery, dancing in the public fountains, part of the closing ceremony of the Corpus Christi (marked by fresh flowers and plants to form delightful 'carpets covering most main streets).
The egg had been emptied and it would have some wax to add weight. Positioned over the ever rising and falling of the water jet reflecting the colourful lights all around the edge of the fountain, the egg starts turning this way and that without falling. In addition, the fountain is decorated with hundreds of fresh flowers and fruits of all variety, all combined to present a live, colourful and fragrant spectacle.
It dated back to the XVll century, the origin of it I know nothing of, nor the few Spanish people I had asked. However there exist a couple of speculations. In the religious version, the dancing egg represents the Eucharist (Christian ceremony commemorating the last supper of Jesus and his disciples, sacrament of the Lord's Supper Communion). The other interpretation, the egg is the Eclosion of fertility and fruitfulness.
Whatever might be the origin, this tradition has resisted the passage of centuries, started off in the fountain of the Cathedral and later copied by many other cities and towns, even some villages.
Today, from 10.00 to 22.00 this wonderful display can be enjoyed in many locations in Barcelona, apart from the Cathedral, Palace, town squares, churches, open public courtyards, Museum grounds ...
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