"Els Esclops d'en Pau" in Viladrau

"Els Esclops d'en Pau" is a tradition deeply rooted in Viladrau!

In Viladrau, the tradition is linked to Good Friday and it is said that the sound of tacos reminds us of the storm when Jesus died on the cross. Others point to the riots that the Jews made when Jesus was taken or to the belief that, by making thunderous noises, they scared away the evil spirits and infernal furies that tried to take over the world, taking advantage of the fact that Jesus, dead, could not face them.

Around a table and following the rhythm of songs, often picaresque, they pass around the wooden blocks, chopping with enthusiasm. You have to be aware of the changes in rhythm so as not to receive a good sting from your partner's cue.

The esclops d'en Pau fangaven,
Sant Joan triava gram,
Sant Pere li goes to Darrere
i amb el trip i trip i trap.

To Tarragona piquen pedra
to Cardona chop salt,
the fortune of the gifts
it is the davantal jack.

Whoever loses the rhythm loses the game and must take a good drink from the porrón. Thus, whoever loses the most, and drinks the most, has a greater chance of losing.

The origin of this tradition dates back to ancient times. The noise of the saws, ashlars and rattles was the one that announced the functions of the church since the bells remained tied that day. In the afternoon, at the end of the so-called Office of Darkness, the children made the fasos: they played with sticks and masses on the pews, doors and confessionals of the church and caused a great uproar and considerable damage to the furniture.

For this reason, later, some boards were arranged outside the church for the children to peal on. It even ended up being customary to go knocking on all the doors and windows of the population.

Before, whoever lost also had to put a peseta on the plate in the middle of the table to pay for the wine that was drunk.

A joyous tradition, just in days of ancient recollection, very much alive among the people of Viladrau and very surprising for the visitors who participate!

Do not miss it!