Geganta is one of the Giants of Mataró and a member of the Robafaves Family. She is Robafaves’ partner and has the appearance of a classical queen, with a crown, white veil and velvet cape.

In her left hand she carries a bouquet of fresh flowers and, in her right, a handkerchief made by a group of elderly women from Mataró. Together with Robafaves, Toneta and Maneló, she is one of the best-known figures of Les Santes, Mataró’s Festa Major.

History of Geganta

The Giants of Mataró have been documented since the late 17th century, but the Geganta we know today is the result of different constructions, restorations and transformations over the years.

In 1964, the construction of the current Geganta was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés, who created new volumes in polyester to reduce her weight and improve her resistance.

In 1984, Mataró City Council registered the Giants as part of the city’s public heritage. Geganta was taken to the workshop of Manel Casserres in Solsona, who kept the metal structures but completely remodelled her appearance, returning to cardboard for the head and hands.

A new costume was also created by Llorenç Illa. In 1992, Manel Casserres renewed Geganta’s costume once again.

In 2014, Mataró City Council renewed her costume again, this time by Manuel Casserres. On this occasion, Geganta was given a bolder and more colourful design than the more traditional approach used for the other members of the Robafaves Family.

The dances of Geganta

Geganta dances to the sound of the flabiol players during processions and at different moments of Les Santes.

During the Dormida, Geganta and Robafaves dance La Masurca, from the repertoire of flabiol player Quirze Perich. Afterwards, Geganta, Robafaves, Toneta and Maneló dance El Ball de Quatre together, composed by Carles Arabia. The choreography for these dances is by Montserrat Calsapeu.

Geganta during Les Santes in Mataró

Geganta takes part in many of the events of Les Santes in Mataró. Together with Robafaves, Toneta and Maneló, she forms the Robafaves Family, which is part of the city’s institutional festive procession.

During the Festa Major, she can be seen at the Crida, Desvetllament Bellugós, Anada a Ofici, Passada, Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, No n’hi ha prou and Anem a Tancar, among other events.

Outside Les Santes, one of her regular appearances is on Sant Jordi, 23 April.

Geganta and the Robafaves Family

Geganta forms the Robafaves Family together with Robafaves, Toneta and Maneló. The four are Mataró’s institutional Giants and appear together at many events during Les Santes.

The Robafaves Family is accompanied by the 18 Nans de Mataró and forms part of the institutional festive procession alongside other figures from the city’s popular culture.

You can discover the history of the whole family, the Nans and the other figures on our page dedicated to the Giants of Mataró.

Frequently asked questions about Geganta

Who is Geganta?
Geganta is one of the four Giants that make up the Robafaves Family. She is Robafaves’ partner and one of the Giants of Mataró.

What does Geganta look like?
She has the appearance of a classical queen, with a crown, white veil and velvet cape. In her left hand she carries a bouquet of fresh flowers and, in her right, a handkerchief made by a group of elderly women from Mataró.

When was the current Geganta built?
The construction of the current figure was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés in 1964. She has subsequently undergone different renovations and costume changes.

Who are the members of the Robafaves Family?
The Robafaves Family is made up of Robafaves, Geganta, Toneta and Maneló.

What dances does Geganta perform?
During the Dormida, she dances La Masurca with Robafaves and then takes part in El Ball de Quatre with Robafaves, Toneta and Maneló. The choreography is by Montserrat Calsapeu.

When does Geganta appear?
One of the times of year when she is seen most often in the streets is during Les Santes, from 25 to 29 July. She also appears on Sant Jordi, 23 April, and may take part in other events throughout the year.

Where can I buy Geganta products?
You can find products featuring Geganta and the Giants of Mataró in the Robafaves online shop or in person at Espai Robafaves, at 7 Carrer de Montserrat in Mataró.