La Geganta de Mataró is part of the Robafaves family and the inseparable partner of Robafaves. She has the appearance of a classic queen with a crown, white veil and velvet cape. Her most distinctive features are the beautiful bouquet of natural flowers she always carries in her left hand and the handcrafted handkerchief made by a group of grandmothers from the city, in her right.

History of La Geganta de Mataró

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

In 1984 the Mataró City Council declared the Giants part of the city's public heritage. La Geganta passed through the workshop of Solsona-born Manel Casserres, who kept the metal structures but completely remodelled the appearance, returning to cardboard for the head and hands. A new costume was also made by Llorenç Illa, although in 1992 Manel Casserres renewed the costume again.

In 2014 the Mataró City Council renewed la Geganta's costume under the direction of Manuel Casserres. The new costume is the boldest and most striking of the entire Robafaves family, within the continuist style chosen for the other figures.

The dances of La Geganta

La Geganta dances to the sound of flabiolaires in the cercaviles and dormides, perpetuating the city's tradition. At the Dormida, she dances with Robafaves to La Masurca, from the repertoire of flabiolaire Quirze Perich. She then dances together with Robafaves, la Toneta and Maneló to El Ball de Quatre by Carles Arabia. All these dances are choreographed by Montserrat Calsapeu.

Les Santes events featuring La Geganta

La Geganta takes part in most events of Les Santes de Mataró, Mataró's Festival: la Crida, el Desvetllament Bellugós, l'Anada a Ofici, la Passada, l'Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, el No n'hi ha prou and l'Anem a tancar. She also appears on Sant Jordi's Day.

Frequently asked questions about La Geganta de Mataró

What does La Geganta de Mataró look like?
She has the appearance of a classic queen with a crown, white veil and velvet cape. She carries a bouquet of natural flowers in her left hand and a handcrafted handkerchief made by grandmothers from Mataró in her right.

When was the current Geganta built?
In 1964, by Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés. She was reformed in 1984 by Manel Casserres and her costume renewed in 2014 with the boldest design in the whole family.

When does La Geganta de Mataró appear?
Mainly during Les Santes (25-29 July) and on Sant Jordi's Day (23 April). During Les Santes she takes part in almost every event of the institutional procession.

What dances does La Geganta perform?
At the Dormida she dances La Masurca with Robafaves, and El Ball de Quatre with the whole Robafaves family. All dances are choreographed by Montserrat Calsapeu.

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