The Diablesses de Mataró are an all-women fire group linked to the city’s popular culture. They were founded in 1985 with the aim of bringing a new fire tradition to the programme of Les Santes in Mataró.

The group is made up of thirty-eight diablesses, accompanied by around twenty musicians. Their percussion includes instruments such as tabals, snare drums, bass drum, pailes, cowbell and whistle.

Each diablessa carries a maça on which a carretilla is placed, a pyrotechnic element that produces the characteristic shower of sparks during their processions and performances.

History of the Diablesses de Mataró

The Diablesses were created in 1985 and have since become part of Mataró’s fire groups and the festivities of Les Santes.

Their distinctive costume was designed by Mataró artist Nefer Rovira. It consists of a cape made from red and black fabrics, decorated with symbols inspired by flames and the night. Some are painted, while others are sewn onto the fabric to create relief.

Since 1994, each diablessa has carried an individual bag for the carretilles needed during performances, a system that changed the way pyrotechnics are distributed within the group.

The forca of the Diablesses

One of the most distinctive moments involving the Diablesses takes place in front of Mataró City Hall during events such as the Crida or the Dormida.

During these performances, six diablesses surround a large forca loaded with carretilles and titanis while the percussion accompanies the lighting of the pyrotechnics.

The Diablesses and correfocs

Since their creation, the Diablesses de Mataró have taken part in correfocs and popular culture gatherings both in Mataró and in other towns and cities across Catalonia.

Fire, percussion and their red and black costume have been part of the group’s image since its early years.

The Diablesses during Les Santes in Mataró

The Diablesses take part in different events during Les Santes in Mataró and are one of the fire groups associated with the city’s Festa Major.

During Les Santes, they take part in the Crida, Correfoc, Anada a Ofici, Passada, Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, No n’hi ha prou and Anem a Tancar, among other events.

They also take part in the Fogonada de Sant Jordi, one of Mataró’s fire celebrations associated with Sant Jordi.

The Diablesses and Mataró’s festive groups

The Diablesses are part of Mataró’s popular culture and share many events during Les Santes with the Giants, the Nans and the city’s bestiary.

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

Frequently asked questions about the Diablesses de Mataró

Who are the Diablesses de Mataró?
They are an all-women fire group founded in 1985 and linked to Les Santes and Mataró’s popular culture.

When were the Diablesses de Mataró founded?
The Diablesses were founded in 1985.

How many members are there in the Diablesses?
The group is made up of thirty-eight diablesses and is accompanied by around twenty musicians.

Who designed the Diablesses’ costume?
The costume was designed by Mataró artist Nefer Rovira, using red and black fabrics and symbols inspired by flames and the night.

What is a carretilla?
It is a pyrotechnic element placed at the end of the maça that produces a rotating shower of sparks when lit.

What is the forca of the Diablesses?
It is a large forca loaded with carretilles and titanis used in some of the group’s performances. During the lighting, six diablesses stand around it.

When do the Diablesses de Mataró perform?
One of the times of year when they are most present in the streets is during Les Santes, from 25 to 29 July. They also take part in the Fogonada de Sant Jordi and different correfocs.

Where can I buy Diablesses de Mataró products?
You can find Diablesses de Mataró products in the Robafaves online shop or in person at Espai Robafaves, at 7 Carrer de Montserrat in Mataró. These include correfoc capes, T-shirts, correfoc scarves and other products related to Les Santes.