Goigs dels Ous

A revived medieval Catalan tradition

The Goigs dels Ous (literally "Songs of the Eggs") is a Catalan tradition born in the Middle Ages that celebrates Easter with songs, music, and conviviality. In the past, traveling singers would tour Catalan villages in exchange for farm products to prepare the Easter omelette. This tradition, which had almost disappeared, has been revived since 2022 in Canet-en-Roussillon.

A festive procession in the old village

The celebration begins in Place Saint-Jacques with dances by the gegants (giants) and caps grossos (big heads), emblematic figures of Catalan festivals. Then, a procession of singers in traditional costume, accompanied by musicians, sets off through the alleys of the old village of Canet to collect eggs, cured meats, and other sweets from door to door.

The descent of the cistella

The highlight of the festival is the descent of the cistella (the basket) from the Town Hall balcony, a symbolic gesture that perpetuates the tradition of collection. The gathering concludes with traditional Catalan songs, sardanes (traditional circle dances), and a tasting of muscat and Catalan sweets.

The Easter omelette

On Easter Monday at noon, the collected products are used to prepare the traditional Easter omelette, enjoyed collectively at the Mas in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.

An associative mobilization

The revival of the Goigs dels Ous in Canet is the result of a collaboration between the APCM (Friends of the Heritage of Canet and the Mediterranean), La Llevantina (sardanes group), students from Catalan language courses, and the town of Canet-en-Roussillon, demonstrating the vitality of Catalan culture in Roussillon.