El Basilisc is a fabulous creature with a mixed form combining a serpent and a cockerel. Like the dragon, it guards treasures. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus defeated Medusa, all serpents were born from her hair, including the basilisk. This is the origin of its attribute of «turning things to stone with its gaze». Medieval bestiaries added new features such as legs, feathers and a cockerel's beak, and the figure also appears in art and heraldry.

El Basilisc de Mataró

El Basilisc de Mataró measures 3.10 m tall by 3 m long and is carried by a single person. It has 10 fire points at the mouth, wings and tail. It features a stylised and very aggressive cockerel with colourful head feathers, painted in warm tones, and a serpent's body with the texture of reptiles in dark colours and a notably undulating tail. The wings show the figure about to take flight.

Around its neck it wears a metal crown with fairies, a reference to the sun, since the cockerel is a solar animal. The design reflects the characteristics that identify the mythological basilisk according to medieval descriptions.

Les Santes events featuring El Basilisc

El Basilisc de Mataró takes part in L'Encesa de Mataró, the event that precedes Les Santes de Mataró.

Frequently asked questions about El Basilisc de Mataró

What is El Basilisc?
A fabulous creature combining a serpent and a cockerel, present in Greek mythology and medieval bestiaries. According to legend, it turns things to stone with its gaze.

What size is El Basilisc de Mataró?
3.10 m tall by 3 m long. Carried by a single person with 10 fire points at the mouth, wings and tail.

When does El Basilisc de Mataró appear?
It takes part in L'Encesa de Mataró, the event that precedes Les Santes de Mataró.

What is the significance of El Basilisc's crown?
It wears a metal crown with fairies around its neck, a reference to the sun, since the cockerel is a solar animal in mythological tradition.

Where can I buy El Basilisc de Mataró products?
At Robafaves, at Carrer Montserrat 7 in Mataró and in the online shop. T-shirts, mugs and much more featuring El Basilisc.