El Drac de Mataró — The Fire Figure of Les Santes | History
El Drac de Mataró — The Fire Figure of Les Santes | History
El Drac de Mataró (the Dragon of Mataró) was presented on 20 April 1991 during the Sant Jordi Festival, thanks to around twenty people and the Mataró City Council. It is a fire figure carried by a single person, inspired by the winged dragon that Robafaves wears on top of his helmet.
El Drac is a fierce yet friendly figure, with a calm fire formed by eight fixed fire points that allow people to jump and dance very close to the figure. It has a special mechanism that also allows it to breathe fire from its mouth.
History of El Drac de Mataró
The construction was commissioned to Solsona-born sculptor Manel Casserres. The Colla del Drac de Mataró is made up of carriers and musicians, all equipped with a hooded jacket, black trousers and a green sash. The shield on the chest was designed by Néfer Rovira and the monogram on the back by Núria Julià.
In 1997 the Fogonada de Sant Jordi was created, the legend of Sant Jordi adapted to the city of Mataró. During this event, El Drac takes centre stage in a unique fire run marked by the voltafocs that fill the squares with light and smoke.
The dance of El Drac
El Drac has its own dance devised by Michael Weiss with choreography by Montse Calsapeu. The figure always moves to the sound of the tabor drums. The dance consists of a succession of different rhythms and steps that culminate in a series of spins, ending abruptly at the exact moment the pyrotechnics explode.
Les Santes events featuring El Drac
El Drac takes part in most events of Les Santes de Mataró, Mataró's Festival: la Crida, l'Escapada, l'Anada a Ofici, la Passada, el Ball de Dracs, l'Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, el No n'hi ha prou and l'Anem a tancar. It also takes part in the Fogonada de Mataró on Sant Jordi's Day.
Frequently asked questions about El Drac de Mataró
When was El Drac de Mataró created?
On 20 April 1991, during the Sant Jordi Festival in Mataró.
What is El Drac de Mataró inspired by?
The winged dragon that Robafaves wears on top of his helmet.
What is the fire like?
It has eight fixed fire points that allow people to jump and dance very close. It can also breathe fire from its mouth thanks to a special mechanism.
Who built El Drac de Mataró?
Solsona-born sculptor Manel Casserres.
When does El Drac de Mataró appear?
Mainly during Les Santes (25-29 July) and at the Fogonada de Sant Jordi (23 April).
Where can I buy El Drac de Mataró products?
At Robafaves, at Carrer Montserrat 7 in Mataró and in the online shop. T-shirts, correfoc capes, mugs and much more featuring El Drac hand-embroidered.