EASTER

Goigs dels ous

 

A tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, the goigs dels ous" (or joie des oeufs in French) are traditional Easter songs, ancient hymns sung by choirs in traditional Catalan costume, signaling a return to life after the sadness of winter.

Solemn choirs would wander the streets at night, and whole families would stand in their doorways and listen in fervent silence to the religious ’goigs’.

The eggs of the title were a symbol of the rebirth, the resurrection. Traditionally, the bachelor of the choir would carry a "cistella" a basket for contributions of eggs, black pudding, charcuterie, wine...... ensuring that the singers would end up with everything they needed to cook up an Easter omelette the next day. Villagers would give these gifts in thanks for the music.

If you wish to hear some ‘goigs’, here is a selection of the towns and villages where they take place annually during the Easter period. This is a list of TYPICAL events which vary every year.

Check with tourist offices for exact details of time, place etc.

 

Argelès
The traditional *Goig Dels Ous, and Catalan songs usually take place at in the streets on Saturday and Sunday, including the handing over of the *Cistella at the Musée Casa de les Alberes.
Banyuls
If you would llike an ’aubade’, a type of serenade below your balcony, Romeo and Julliet style, ring the Banyuls tourist office
Ille sur Têt
Male choir usually sing popular Catalan songs at the espace la Catalane at 21h.
Saint Génis
Morning - "Aubade" to collect ingredients for the Easter omelette.
Saint Cyprien
 Aubade in Saint-Cyprien Village et collection of eggs for the Easter omelette
Depart on foot : place de la République at 16h and avenue du Roussillon at 20h30
Amélie-les-Bains
Goigs in the streets of Amélie and Palalda

 

WITH SIMILAR ACTIVITIES (goigs, sardanes, aubades) IN..............

Bompas
Collioure
Corneilla-del-Vercol
Perpignan
Les Angles
Céret
Prades
Molitg-les-Bains
Ponteilla-Nyls
La Preste
Prats-de-Mollo
Saint-Laurent-de-CerdansSaint André
Sorède
Villeneuve de la Raho

.....and many more of the towns and villages throughout the region

*Catalan tradition (a basket with eggs for the Easter omelette, wine, saucisson...) for the singers

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