The Basilisc de Mataró is a fire figure inspired by the mythical basilisk, a fantastic creature traditionally depicted with features of both a snake and a rooster.

The Basilisc de Mataró measures 3.10 metres high and 3 metres long, is carried by one person and has 10 fire points distributed across its mouth, wings and tail.

What is a basilisk?

The basilisk is a fantastic creature that appears in different mythological traditions and medieval bestiaries. Over time, it came to be depicted as a hybrid creature with features of a snake and a rooster.

One of its best-known legendary characteristics is its ability to petrify with its gaze. Medieval bestiaries added elements such as legs, feathers and a rooster’s beak to its appearance, and the figure also became part of art and heraldry.

What does the Basilisc de Mataró look like?

The figure features a stylised rooster with an aggressive appearance, with colourful feathers on its head and painted in warm tones, combined with a darker snake-like body with a reptilian texture.

Its tail has a pronounced curve, while the position of its wings makes the Basilisc appear as if it is about to take flight.

A metal crown with fades hangs around its neck, a reference to the sun linked to the traditional symbolism of the rooster as a solar animal.

The design brings together different characteristics associated with the mythical basilisk in medieval representations and descriptions.

The fire points of the Basilisc

The Basilisc de Mataró has 10 fire points located on its mouth, wings and tail.

The figure is carried by one person and combines its mythological appearance with the pyrotechnics traditionally associated with fire figures in Catalan popular culture.

The Basilisc at L’Encesa de Mataró

The Basilisc de Mataró takes part in L’Encesa de Mataró, an event featuring popular culture and fire held in the run-up to Les Santes in Mataró.

This is one of the occasions when the Basilisc can be seen in the streets of Mataró, alongside other figures and fire groups taking part in L’Encesa.

The Basilisc and the bestiary of Mataró

The Basilisc is one of the bestiary and fire figures linked to Mataró’s popular culture.

You can discover the Robafaves Family, the Nans and other figures on our page dedicated to the Giants of Mataró, the Nans and the bestiary.

Frequently asked questions about the Basilisc de Mataró

What is a basilisk?
The basilisk is a mythical creature traditionally depicted as a hybrid between a snake and a rooster. One of its best-known legendary characteristics is its ability to petrify with its gaze.

What does the Basilisc de Mataró look like?
It is a fire figure with features of a rooster and a snake, wings, a curved tail and a metal crown around its neck.

How big is the Basilisc de Mataró?
It measures 3.10 metres high and 3 metres long and is carried by one person.

How many fire points does the Basilisc de Mataró have?
It has 10 fire points distributed across its mouth, wings and tail.

What does the Basilisc’s crown represent?
The metal crown around its neck refers to the sun and the traditional symbolism of the rooster as a solar animal.

When does the Basilisc de Mataró appear?
It takes part in L’Encesa de Mataró, one of the events held before Les Santes.

Where can I buy Basilisc de Mataró products?
You can find Basilisc de Mataró products in the Robafaves online shop or in person at Espai Robafaves, at 7 Carrer de Montserrat in Mataró. These include T-shirts, mugs and other products related to Mataró’s popular culture.