During Easter in Barcelona a really sweet character takes center stage: Mona de Pasqua. This typical cake is involved in a tradition which has centuries of history in Catalonia. Read on to find out more about this iconic cake!
What exactly is this cake “La Mona”?
This is how we call the typical cake gifted from godfather to his godson or goddaughter on Monday during “Setmana Santa”. Today la Mona has evolved following the pastry chefs’ imagination that have turned this traditional cake into a real creative work. Every year the most popular bakeries in Barcelona surprise the clients with the most original creations. Or even if you know what kind of “Mona” your godson would love (featuring popular cartoons or famous characters) you can even ask them to create it your own.
Or instead of buying one, you can also get creative and do your own Mona at home. There are plenty of original and fun receipts on the Internet (from initial to advanced level).
But there was a time when “La Mona” had one specific and simple receipt, and was gifted from godfather to godson for a specific reason…
Where does this tradition come from?
This tradition is documented for the first time during the 15th century. But it is believed to have an even previous origin. The godfather used to give “La Mona” as a present to his godson or goddaughter as a symbol of protection. Previously this cake was made at home with a simple receipt consisting mainly of bread dough.
Why are “eggs” always present?
Whether hard-boiled eggs or chocolate eggs, the truth is that eggs have always been present in this tradition. From the 15th to the 20th century la Mona always contained hard-boiled eggs on it with the eggshells painted. The number of eggs depended on the age of the kid: la Mona had to have as many eggs as the kid’s age was at that time.
Where to buy a Mona de Pasqua in Barcelona?
You can buy them at local bakeries, from the most traditional Mona to the most creative. If you are looking for places where to buy the most delicious or even original Mona de Pasqua, here are some suggestions:
- Escribà: this is an iconic bakery in Barcelona, and they also join the challenge of creating the most original and beautiful Mones de Pasqua.
- La Colmena: another iconic bakery in Barcelona which also offers delicious Mones de Pasqua, from the most traditional style to Mones de Pasqua customized with the latest trends (cartoons, famous characters, etc.).
- Bocí: chocolate is their specialty, so they create Mones de Pasqua with this main ingredient: delicious Mones de Pasqua covered in chocolate. Imagination has no limits when it comes to creating the most original Mones at this chocolate shop.
