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There are nights one can't forget, and the Dance of Death in Verges is one of them. The Dance of Death or the Danse Macabre is an ancestral ritual, magnetic and absolutely iconic that transforms this small town of Baix Empordà into the epicenter of one of the most impressive macabre dances in Europe. A unique gem of popular culture. Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to enjoy the most authentic Holy Week in Girona and the Costa Brava. You'll find torches, a dense silence, drums and skeletons dancing. The dance of death is not only tradition: it is identity, collective memory and a brutal experience. At Naturaki we'll tell you all the secrets of this macabre dance.
Dance of Death 2026
The Dance of Death in Verges is celebrated every Maundy Thursday, as part of the traditional Holy Week Procession of the village. This year it will take place on Thursday, April the 2nd. In addition, on April the 4th - Holy Saturday - the Children's Procession will take place. It is a reproduction of the adult's procession, but with fewer participants and a bit abbreviated. The verses are the same as those of the Maundy Thursday procession, most of the costume is inherited from the adult's procession and the way of interpreting, both gestures and words, aim to be an exact reproduction of the adult's procession.
What is the origin of the Dance of Death?
The Danse Macabre was born in medieval Europe, especially after the Black Death (1347-1348), when death took on a leading role in areas such as literature, music, painting, or religion. These representations served as visual pedagogy: a symbolic reminder that nobody escapes from the final destiny, regardless of their power, wealth, or social status.
In Verges, this tradition has not only been preserved: it has been integrated into the popular culture of the town to become one of the most unique rituals of Catalan heritage. A dance where anthropological, symbolic, and historical elements that are part of Europe's cultural baggage still persist. As you'll see, it's not a tourist recreation, it's not just a theatrical performance: it's a living tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
What is the Dance of Death?
It is a ritual choreography performed by five human skeletons that dance to the rhythm of a drum, arranged in the shape of a cross. They are accompanied by a procession of four more characters who, with torches, illuminate the scene and give it a eerie atmosphere. The main body of the Dance of Death is made up of two adults (the Scythe and the Banner) and three children (two Ash Dish carriers, and a Clock carrier, the clock has no hands). Therefore, the Dance of Death depicts the fleetingness of life, the inexorable passage of time and equality in the face of death. A hypnotic spectacle.
Characters of the Dance of Death
The classic formation is composed of five skeletons, two adults and three children. Each figure carries a symbol laden with meaning:
- The scythe symbolizes the cutting of life.
- The clock without hands represents eternal time, without beginning or end.
- The flag of death, the inevitable fate.
- The 2 plates of ash, the elements returning to the earth.
And at the center, the drummer, who sets the hypnotic rhythm of the entire dance.
Practical Guide to Enjoying the Dance of Death in Verges
The Dance of Death is part of the representation of the Mystery of the Passion that takes place in the Main Square of Verges on Maundy Thursday at 9:30 in the evening. This part of the festival is paid and it is necessary to buy a ticket. If you want to buy tickets, you can do so through the Procession of Verges website or directly at the Verges Visitor Center.
The Dance of Death starts around midnight, as part of the Procession that travels through the streets of the village. It is free and open to everyone.
To fully enjoy the Dance of Death, we recommend you arrive early, probably before lunch, and park outside the urban area. In fact, the organization provides several parking areas for visitors, which you can find on the Procession website.
Remember that, although you can take photos during the Procession, the use of flash is not allowed, neither in the Main Square nor during the route through the streets. Therefore, we recommend that you keep your mobile phone in your pocket and focus on experiencing and feeling the show, respecting the silence and rhythm of this almost magical ritual.
Why is the Dance of Death in Verges so special?
Because it isn't designed to please, it hasn't been sweetened over the years. It hasn't lost its soul. It's a macabre dance that is authentic and deeply beautiful. A ritual that will make you feel alive. Therefore, if you're looking for a Holy Week experience with its own identity, Verges awaits you.
You can take the opportunity to stroll through Verges, have lunch at one of its restaurants (book in advance), and even visit nearby towns like Ullastret and its Iberian village, or some of the best medieval towns in the area such as Pals, Monells or Peratallada.
