The Àliga de Mataró is one of the historic figures in the city’s institutional festive procession. Calm and majestic in appearance, it has partially spread wings, wears a crown and holds a dove in its beak.

During its appearances, the Àliga takes its place behind the Robafaves Family and in front of the city authorities. It has been documented since 1601 and was revived in 1987 thanks to a group of people connected to the Giants of Mataró and Mataró City Council.

History of the Àliga de Mataró

The earliest known documentary references to the Àliga de Mataró date back to 1601. After disappearing for a long period, the figure was revived in 1987.

The construction of the current Àliga was commissioned to sculptor Manel Casserres from Solsona, who created the figure in approximately four months, as well as the costumes worn by its bearers and accompanying musicians.

The bearers’ costume consists of a white shirt, black sash, green knee-length baggy trousers, white socks and black traditional espardenyes.

The Ball de l’Àliga

The Àliga performs a choreography by Montserrat Calsapeu to the music of the Ball de l’Àliga, from the archives of the Abbey of Montserrat.

The music is performed by the Ministrils de Mataró using instruments including tarotes, flabiols, violins, sac de gemecs, trombones and drums.

The dance begins with a majestic walk and continues with turns that gradually increase in pace. Different movements and jumps follow until the final bars, which culminate in a deep bow.

The Àliga during Les Santes in Mataró

The Àliga takes part in different events during Les Santes in Mataró. One of its most characteristic moments is the Anada a Ofici on 27 July, when it performs its own dance before the relics of Les Santes.

It also takes part in other events during the Festa Major, including the Crida, Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, No n’hi ha prou and Anem a Tancar.

The Àliga and Mataró’s institutional festive procession

The Àliga forms part of Mataró’s institutional festive procession alongside other figures and groups from the city’s popular culture.

In the usual order of the procession, it takes its place behind the Robafaves Family and in front of the city authorities.

You can discover the Robafaves Family, the Nans and the other figures in the procession on our page dedicated to the Giants of Mataró, the Nans and the bestiary.

Frequently asked questions about the Àliga de Mataró

What is the Àliga de Mataró?
The Àliga is a historic figure in Mataró’s institutional festive procession. It has partially spread wings, wears a crown and holds a dove in its beak.

How old is the Àliga de Mataró?
There are documentary references to the Àliga dating back to 1601. The current figure was revived in 1987.

Who built the current Àliga?
The current Àliga de Mataró was built by sculptor Manel Casserres from Solsona for its revival in 1987.

What music accompanies the Àliga’s dance?
The Ball de l’Àliga, from the archives of the Abbey of Montserrat and performed by the Ministrils de Mataró.

Who created the choreography of the Àliga’s dance?
The choreography is by Montserrat Calsapeu.

What is one of the Àliga’s main events during Les Santes?
The Anada a Ofici on 27 July, when the Àliga performs its dance before the relics of Les Santes.

Where can I buy Àliga de Mataró products?
You can find products featuring the Àliga de Mataró and other figures from Les Santes in the Robafaves online shop or in person at Espai Robafaves, at 7 Carrer de Montserrat in Mataró.