Toneta is one of the Giants of Mataró and the daughter of Robafaves and Geganta. Her history dates back to 1853, the year traditionally associated with the origin of this member of the Robafaves Family.

She is a gegantona or gegantoneta, the Catalan terms from which her current name, Toneta, derives. By 1957, she already appeared with the long blonde hair that characterises her today. She dresses in shades of pink and lilac and, like Geganta, carries a bouquet of fresh flowers in her right hand, while holding her skirt with her left.

History of Toneta

Toneta’s history dates back to 1853, the year traditionally associated with her origin. Over the years, the figure has undergone different transformations to become the Toneta we know today.

In 1964, the construction of the current Toneta was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés, who created new volumes in polyester to reduce her weight and improve her resistance.

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

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

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

The dances of Toneta

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

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

Toneta during Les Santes in Mataró

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

During the Festa Major, she 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 her regular appearances is on Sant Jordi, 23 April.

Toneta and the Robafaves Family

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

Who is Toneta?
Toneta is the daughter of Robafaves and Geganta and a member of the Robafaves Family. Her history dates back to 1853, and she is recognisable by her long blonde hair and her pink and lilac dress.

Why is she called Toneta?
The figure is a gegantona or gegantoneta, and her name Toneta derives from these Catalan terms.

When does Toneta date from?
Toneta’s origin is traditionally dated to 1853. The current figure, however, was built in 1964.

When was the current Toneta built?
The construction of the current figure was commissioned to Josep Maria Diamant i Montañés in 1964. She has subsequently undergone different renovations and costume changes.

Who are the members of the Robafaves Family?
The Robafaves Family is made up of Robafaves, Geganta, Toneta and Maneló.

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

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

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