Maneló is one of the Giants of Mataró and the husband of Toneta, daughter of Robafaves and Geganta. Originally from Terrassa, he joined the Robafaves Family in 1950, when he married Toneta during Les Santes.

The exact origin of his name is unknown. Maneló revives the name once given to the son of the former Giants of Mataró, then known as Manueló, according to written references by the Baró de Maldà.

Maneló, from Terrassa to Mataró

Maneló’s connection with Terrassa began with an exchange between the city councils of Mataró and Terrassa. The Robafaves Family took part in a large gathering of giants held in Terrassa on 2 July 1950 and, during Les Santes that same year, the Giants of Terrassa visited Mataró for the wedding of Maneló and Toneta.

With that marriage, Maneló joined the Robafaves Family as Toneta’s husband and the son-in-law of Robafaves and Geganta.

History of Maneló

The construction of Maneló was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés, and the figure was designed by Barcelona sculptor Lluís Sabadell in 1950.

In 1964, a new remodelling was commissioned, using new polyester volumes to reduce his weight and improve his resistance.

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

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

In 2014, Mataró City Council renewed his costume again, this time by Manuel Casserres, while maintaining the appearance that had defined the figure over the previous years.

The dances of Maneló

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

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

Maneló during Les Santes in Mataró

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

During the Festa Major, he 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 his regular appearances is on Sant Jordi, 23 April.

Maneló and the Robafaves Family

Maneló forms the Robafaves Family together with Robafaves, Geganta and Toneta. 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 Maneló

Who is Maneló?
Maneló is Toneta’s husband and the son-in-law of Robafaves and Geganta. Originally from Terrassa, he joined the Robafaves Family in 1950, when he married Toneta during Les Santes.

Why is Maneló from Terrassa?
His connection with Terrassa began with an exchange between the city councils of Mataró and Terrassa in 1950, when the Giants of the two cities took part in gatherings and visits.

When did Maneló and Toneta get married?
Maneló and Toneta were married during Les Santes in 1950, in a festive ceremony that marked Maneló’s arrival into the Robafaves Family.

Where does the name Maneló come from?
The exact origin of the name is unknown. It revives the name Manueló, the son of the former Giants of Mataró, according to written references by the Baró de Maldà.

When was Maneló built?
The figure was built in 1950, commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés and designed by Lluís Sabadell. He has subsequently undergone different renovations and costume changes.

What dances does Maneló perform?
During the Dormida, he dances El Xotis d’en Borina with Toneta and then takes part in El Ball de Quatre with the whole Robafaves Family. The choreography is by Montserrat Calsapeu.

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

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