El Ram portrays Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. In the Verges Procession, it brings joy, singing and the participation of entire families to the foreground. It contrasts with the episodes of conspiracy, condemnation and suffering that follow.
The people welcoming Jesus
Participants portray the crowd acclaiming Jesus with branches and palms. The singing of the Hosanna gives this welcome a voice. With children, adults and older people taking part, El Ram is a collective scene: its strength does not depend on a single speech or protagonist.
The performance in the square, with the medieval walls behind it, has given this scene a familiar image. Yet its setting and presentation can change between editions. Photographs document a particular staging, not an unchanging arrangement.
Taking part from infancy
Maite Poch Roviras recalls her mother bringing her to El Ram in the year she was born. According to her account, Carles Perpinyà had asked for children to participate. Her recollection shows how infants could become involved from their first months, without establishing Carles as the absolute originator of children’s participation.
Maite went on to play other parts: one of the Samaritan Woman’s little angels, Veronica, the Samaritan Woman and the Virgin Mary. For Maite, El Ram was a first introduction to a participation that would continue for many years.
A scene with several textual layers
The 2011 edition contains materials from different sources and an intervention in El Ram attributed to Llorenç Cansell in 2002. The entire scene should not be presented as an original work by Maria Perpinyà or as a revision of every passage by her. The history of versions and authorship helps distinguish these contributions.
El Ram in the Placeta in 2026
The 2026 edition brought El Ram to the Placeta de l’1 d’Octubre, before the main performance in the plaça Major, to reach the audience waiting in the streets. The 3Cat report documents this change for that edition. For a future visit, consult the official guide.
Sources
La Processó de Verges, 2011 edition, introductory study and El Ram scene. Interview with Maite Poch Roviras in the Memòria Viva La Processó project, analysed as part of this research. 3Cat report on the changes introduced in 2026; Mans, Catalunya Ràdio, 28 March 2026, interview about El Ram in the streets.
The contrast between the crowd and conversation continues with the Samaritan Woman.
