The Giants of Mataró are one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in the city. First documented in the late 17th century, these giants have become a cultural and festive symbol, taking centre stage during Mataró's biggest festival, Les Santes.

The Robafaves family leads Mataró's institutional procession. They are joined by 18 big-heads, l'Àliga, les Diablesses and the full fire bestiary. Together they form the most cherished popular culture group in the capital of the Maresme.

The Robafaves family

Robafaves, la Geganta, la Toneta and Maneló form Mataró's institutional giant family. They dance to the sound of the flabiol and tamboril, instruments with centuries of history in Catalan popular culture. They only come out a few times a year — on very special occasions — but during Les Santes they become the absolute stars: out on the streets at all hours, in long processions, dancing and being admired by locals and visitors from all over Catalonia.

They are the most important element of Mataró's institutional comparsas and one of the three elements declared Festival Heritage of National Interest by the Generalitat in 2010, alongside the Missa de les Santes and la Dormida.

The origin of the name Robafaves

Once upon a time, the town of Argentona invited the Giants of Mataró to come and dance. When the celebration ended and on the way back to Mataró, the carriers spotted some very large and beautiful broad beans growing beside the road. They were so tempting that they put the giants down in the middle of the road and, after making sure nobody was watching, started picking as many beans as they could.

They had no room in their pockets, so one of them came up with an idea: hide them under the giant's cape. No sooner said than done, they happily continued on their way back to Mataró.

When they were almost at the Town Hall, the children surrounded them and begged them to dance. The carriers resisted, but a local official insisted. The giant began to spin round and round and, with all that movement, the beans started falling to the ground. The crowd around them began to shout: «He's stolen beans! He's stolen beans!»

From that day on, the poor giant has been known as Robafaves (bean thief), even though he was completely innocent. The name first appears in official documents in 1888.

The 18 Nans of Mataró

The Nans have accompanied the Robafaves family since 1864, when they first appeared in the official festival programme. Today there are eighteen of them, carried by children, and they always precede the Giants in processions. They are especially loved by the youngest members of the crowd, with their chases and dances bringing great joy.

The 18 Nans of Mataró are: the Bufó, the Pagès, the Bruixa, the Macer seriós, the Macer rialler, the Follet, l'Arlequí, the Xinès, the Mulata, the Comte, the Moro, en Carrau, the Vella Blava, the Vella Verda, en Patufet, en Jonàs, en Mataties and en Biada.

The Mataró fire bestiary

The institutional procession also includes the city's iconic fire figures. The official order in processions is: la Momeroteta, la Momerota, el Dragalió, el Drac, the Nans, the Robafaves Giants and l'Àliga.

• L'Àliga: the most solemn figure of all. The only one that comes out from inside the Town Hall at la Crida, without joining any procession. Present at the most institutional events.
• El Drac: inspired by the dragon on Robafaves' helmet. First presented on 20 April 1991, it breathes fire and dances to the beat of the drums.
• El Dragalió: born from the union of el Drac de Mataró and la Víbria de Poblenou. Star of la Tarda Guillada alongside la Momeroteta.
• La Momerota and la Momeroteta: mother and daughter. La Momerota is the original creator of l'Escapada a Negra Nit: when Robafaves leaves the Town Hall door open, la Momerota escapes into the dark night to chase the people of Mataró.

Les Diablesses de Mataró

Les Diablesses de Mataró are the first all-female fire group in Catalonia, founded in 1985. They are not a bestiary figure but a group made up of people: thirty-eight members with fire wheels and titans, accompanied by around twenty musicians. They are the hosts of l'Escapada a Negra Nit, the great fire run of Les Santes, and one of the most beloved and recognisable elements of Mataró's festival.

History of the Giants of Mataró

The Giants of Mataró are among the so-called historical giants, documented since the late 17th century when they belonged to the Confraria de la Minerva. The year 1848 was key: the first railway line on the Iberian Peninsula was inaugurated and the Missa de Glòria by Mossèn Blanch was premiered. Five years later the figures were restored and la Toneta joined the family — the only female giant in Catalonia at the time.

In 1930 the giants took on the appearance we know today: Robafaves resembles King Jaume I, and la Geganta and la Toneta are dressed accordingly. In 1950 la Toneta married Maneló, son of the giants of Terrassa, bringing back the figure of the young giant. With the return of democracy from 1979, a group of young people from the Foment Mataroní renewed the festival under the motto "Les Santes, fem-ne Festa Major".

When do the Giants of Mataró come out

The Robafaves family appears mainly during Les Santes (July 25–29) and on Sant Jordi (April 23). During Les Santes they take part in almost every event of the procession: la Crida, el Desvetllament Bellugós, la Convidada, l'Anada a Ofici, la Desfilada, la Passada, l'Anada a la Residència, la Postal de Gegants, el No n'hi ha prou and l'Anem a Tancar.

Frequently asked questions about the Giants of Mataró

Why is it called Robafaves?

According to legend, it is the nickname the giant received when its carriers stole beans from a field near Argentona and hid them under its cape. When they arrived at the Town Hall and the children asked them to dance, the beans started falling to the ground with every turn. The name first appears in official records in 1888.

How many Nans does the Robafaves family have?

Eighteen big-head figures, carried by children. They have accompanied the Robafaves family since 1864.

When do the Giants of Mataró come out?

Mainly during Les Santes (July 25–29) and on Sant Jordi (April 23). During Les Santes they appear at almost every event of the institutional procession.

Which is the most solemn figure in the procession?

L'Àliga. It is the only figure that comes out from inside the Town Hall at la Crida and is present at the most institutional events of the festival.

Where can I buy Giants of Mataró products?

At Robafaves, at Carrer Montserrat 7 in Mataró, and in our online store. Unique products available all year round.