Today marked the official launch of the Dance of Death Chair: a new interdisciplinary perspective on death from Verges and the University of Girona
This afternoon at 5 p.m., in the Faculty of Education and Psychology’s Aula Magna at the University of Girona, the official presentation of the Chair Dance of Death: Psychological and Anthropological Perspective on Death took place, a joint initiative by the Association La Processó de Verges and the University of Girona.
The event brought together academic authorities, members of the Association, and representatives from the cultural and healthcare sectors. It was inaugurated with a keynote lecture by Dr. Gemma Perramon Puig, psychiatrist at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, titled "Ritual, Health and Knowledge: A Holistic View of Death".
With this chair, the aim is to deepen the study of death rituals and representations from a transversal perspective, connecting anthropology, psychology, social sciences and heritage, starting from the unique and living experience of Verges’ Dance of Death.
The creation of this chair represents a step forward in the academic recognition of this intangible heritage and opens the door to new research, outreach and educational projects on the role that death rituals and symbols play in emotional health and in shaping the collective meaning of life and mortality.
This event follows the signing of the collaboration agreement on July 22, 2025, between the University of Girona, Àltima and the Association La Processó de Verges, which led to the creation of the chair. That agreement had already emphasized a shared desire to break the taboo of death and create spaces for rigorous and open reflection, connecting science, culture and community.
For the Association La Processó de Verges, this moment is especially meaningful: it brings the Dance of Death beyond Maundy Thursday and reaffirms that the legacy of our tradition can inspire new ways of thinking, research and action—rooted in the past, but facing the future.
With the creation of this chair, Verges becomes a symbolic and living epicentre of a tradition that continues to embody culture, community and identity, and strengthens the association’s commitment to the dissemination of the intangible heritage represented by the Processó.
Closing the circle: facing death to better care for life
The chair is born from the desire to close the circle: to face death in order to better care for life. The Dance of Death reminds us, with its symbolic and performative power, that time is short, and that living with awareness of our finitude can be transformative.
Several key messages emerged from the presentation that will shape the chair's future:
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The Dance of Death is a living tradition that reminds us each year that everything ends.
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Discussing the desire to die, euthanasia, suicide or grief is also about rights and care.
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The feminist perspective asks: whose pain is recognised—and whose is not?
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The chair aspires to be a space from which to reflect and better care for the end of life, fostering collective analysis and sensitivity.
With this vision, the Dance of Death Chair seeks to become a reference point where heritage, knowledge and social engagement come together, bridging the tradition of Verges with today’s conversations on life, death, and everything in between.
