With summer almost upon us, the Corpus Christi celebrations return to Barcelona. One of the most iconic events on the festive calendar, with 700 years of history, this celebration fills the city with traditional culture, floral decorations and traditional activities. In all, 40 spaces around all districts form part of the programme, with water making a complete return as spouts enable the eggs to dance. One of the most authentic traits of the festival, the return of the water allows the celebration to regain all its splendour after a few years of being adapted.

Once again, floral designs will be laid out all around the city, with patterns and decorations created by Barcelona organisations. As the festival ends, these will be broken up by the parades and festive elements of the celebrations in the neighbourhoods. Some spaces will be regained for the festivity, including the Palau del Lloctinent – Arxiu de la Corona d’Aragó.

The inspiration for this year’s floral design at the City Hall is the noucentista artist Francesc Canyellas i Balagueró and the 34 ceramic panels decorated with floral patterns, fruit and marine designs, created for the Casa de l’Ardiaca.

The Corpus Christ celebrations also include a wide array of other activities: processions, dances, opens days, bellringing, exhibitions and talks. The climax comes on Sunday, 22 June, with the secular festive procession featuring all the elements of the city’s festive entourage, such as the City Giants, the Pi giants, the Lion and the Ox figures, part of Barcelona’s intangible cultural heritage.

The full programme can be found on the Corpus Christi website.