Robafaves of Mataró is a stern-faced giant, tall and stocky, dressed as a medieval warrior (helmet, cape, chainmail, sword...), inspired by the figure and character of King James I the Conqueror. On his chest he wears three or four medals depending on the occasion, and in his left hand he carries a scroll with the legend of his name, while his right hand holds his cape. Robafaves is the head of the Robafaves family and one of the most beloved Giants of Mataró.

History of Robafaves

The construction of the current Robafaves 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. Robafaves 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 Robafaves' costume under the direction of Manuel Casserres, opting for a continuist style with no major changes.

The dances of Robafaves

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

Les Santes events featuring Robafaves

Robafaves 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.

The legend of Robafaves of Mataró

Once upon a time, the town of Argentona invited the Giants of Mataró to come and dance. When the celebration ended and on the way back to Mataró, the carriers spotted some very large and beautiful broad beans growing beside the road. They were so tempting that they put the giants down in the middle of the road and, after making sure nobody was watching, started picking as many beans as they could.

They had no room in their pockets. It was then that one of them had an idea: why not hide them under the giant's cape? No sooner said than done, they happily continued on their way back to Mataró.

When they were almost at the Town Hall, the children surrounded them and begged them to dance. The carriers resisted, but an official insisted. The giant began to spin round and round and, with all that movement, the beans started falling to the ground. The crowd began to shout: "He's stolen beans! He's stolen beans!"

From that day on, the poor giant has been known as Robafaves (bean thief). The name first appears in official records in 1888.

Frequently asked questions about Robafaves

Why is he called Robafaves?
According to legend, the giant's carriers stole beans from a field near Argentona and hid them under his cape. When they arrived in Mataró and had to dance, the beans fell to the ground. The crowd shouted "He's stolen beans!" and the name stuck. It first appears in official records in 1888.

Which character is Robafaves based on?
The figure and character of King James I the Conqueror. He wears a helmet, cape, chainmail and sword — the outfit of a medieval warrior.

When was the current Robafaves built?
In 1964, by Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés. He was reformed in 1984 by Manel Casserres and his costume renewed in 2014.

When does Robafaves 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.

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