Maneló is the husband of la Toneta, the daughter of Robafaves and la Geganta. From Terrassa, he married the young giantess of Mataró during a great festive ceremony at the Les Santes Festival of 1950, becoming a member of the Robafaves family.

His name, of unknown origin, is inherited from the son of the previous Giants of Mataró (at that time called Manueló), according to written references by the Baron of Maldà. The fact that he comes from Terrassa is due to an exchange of favours between the two city councils: the Robafaves family goes to the great giants gathering on 2 July in Terrassa and, in return, the Terrassa giants come to Mataró on Les Santes day to visit their son as in-laws.

History of Maneló

The construction of the current Maneló was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés and designed by Barcelona sculptor Lluís Sabadell in 1950. In 1964 a new remodelling was commissioned, creating 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. Maneló 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 Maneló's costume under the direction of Manuel Casserres, opting for a continuist style with no major changes.

The dances of Maneló

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

Les Santes events featuring Maneló

Maneló 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. He also appears on Sant Jordi's Day.

Frequently asked questions about Maneló de Mataró

Who is Maneló?
He is the husband of la Toneta and a member of the Robafaves family of Mataró. From Terrassa, he joined the family in 1950 when he married la Toneta during Les Santes.

Why does Maneló come from Terrassa?
Due to an exchange of favours between the city councils of Mataró and Terrassa. The Robafaves family goes to the giants gathering on 2 July in Terrassa and, in return, the Terrassa giants come to Mataró for Les Santes.

When was the current Maneló built?
In 1950, designed by Lluís Sabadell. He was reformed in 1964 and in 1984 by Manel Casserres, and his costume renewed in 2014.

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

What dances does Maneló perform?
At the Dormida he dances El Xotis d'en Borina with la Toneta, and El Ball de Quatre with the whole Robafaves family. All dances are choreographed by Montserrat Calsapeu.

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