The Diablesses of Mataró
The Diablesses of Mataró
The Diablesses of Mataró are an all-women fire group closely linked to the city’s popular culture. They were founded in 1985 as a new fire-based addition to the programme of Les Santes de Mataró.
The group consists of thirty-eight Diablesses, accompanied by around twenty musicians. Their percussion section includes drums, snare drums, bass drum, pailes, cowbell and whistle.
Each Diablessa carries a mace fitted with a carretilla, a pyrotechnic element that creates the characteristic spinning sparks seen during their performances.
History of the Diablesses of Mataró
The Diablesses were founded in 1985 and have since become part of Mataró’s fire groups and the festive events of Les Santes.
Their distinctive costume was designed by Mataró artist Nefer Rovira. It consists of a cape made from red and black fabrics decorated with symbols inspired by flames and the night, some painted and others sewn onto the fabric to create relief.
Since 1994, each Diablessa has carried an individual bag for the carretilles used during performances, changing the way the group distributes its pyrotechnic material.
The Diablesses’ large pitchfork
One of their most characteristic performances takes place in front of Mataró City Hall during events such as the Crida and the Dormida.
During these displays, six Diablesses surround a large pitchfork fitted with carretilles and titanis while the percussion accompanies the pyrotechnic display.
The Diablesses and correfocs
Since their creation, the Diablesses of Mataró have taken part in correfocs and popular-culture gatherings both in Mataró and in other towns and cities across Catalonia.
Fire, percussion and their red-and-black costumes are among the defining elements of the group’s identity.
The Diablesses during Les Santes de Mataró
The Diablesses take part in several of the main events of Les Santes de Mataró and are one of the fire groups associated with the city’s Festa Major.
During Les Santes they participate in events including the Crida, Correfoc, Anada a Ofici, Passada, Anada a la Residència Sant Josep, No n’hi ha prou and Anem a Tancar.
They also take part in the Fogonada de Sant Jordi, one of Mataró’s fire celebrations associated with Saint George’s Day.
The Diablesses and Mataró’s festive groups
The Diablesses form part of Mataró’s popular-culture groups and share many Les Santes events with the Giants, the Nans and the city’s bestiary figures.
Discover the Família Robafaves, the Nans and the other figures on our page dedicated to the Giants of Mataró, the Nans and the bestiary.
Frequently asked questions about the Diablesses of Mataró
Who are the Diablesses of Mataró?
They are an all-women fire group founded in 1985 and closely linked to Les Santes and Mataró’s popular culture.
When were the Diablesses of Mataró founded?
The Diablesses were founded in 1985.
How many members are there?
The group consists of thirty-eight Diablesses accompanied by around twenty musicians.
Who designed the Diablesses’ costumes?
They were designed by Mataró artist Nefer Rovira, using red and black fabrics and symbols inspired by flames and the night.
What is a carretilla?
It is a pyrotechnic element fitted to the end of a mace that produces a rotating effect of sparks when ignited.
When do the Diablesses of Mataró perform?
Mainly during Les Santes, from 25 to 29 July, as well as at events such as the Fogonada de Sant Jordi and other correfocs.
Where can I buy Diablesses of Mataró products?
At Robafaves, at 7 Carrer de Montserrat in Mataró, and in our online shop. Products include correfoc capes, T-shirts, scarves and other items related to Les Santes.
