Who is Robafaves? Why is he called Robafaves? Who are the Geganta, Toneta and Maneló? And what are Mataró’s Fire Figures?

Giants of Mataró, to Colour, Read and Write is a children’s book created to help young readers discover the characters of Les Santes while colouring, reading and writing.

The book introduces 10 characters from the Giants and traditional figures of Mataró, with illustrations to colour, child-friendly information and activities that encourage children to notice the details of each figure. It also includes one of Mataró’s best-known traditional stories: the Legend of Robafaves.

It is the first book published by Robafaves and began with a very simple idea: to create the Giants of Mataró book we would have loved to have when we were children.

The Legend of Robafaves explained to children

Why is the Giant of Mataró called Robafaves? The book includes the Legend of Robafaves so children can discover the story behind the origin of his name.

It is a way of introducing this popular Mataró legend to younger generations and answering one of the questions that often comes up when children first discover the giant: where does the name Robafaves come from?

A book to discover the Giants of Mataró

The pages are designed so children can do more than simply look at the characters. They can colour them, read about them, write and discover their details, then recognise those same details when they see the figures in the streets of Mataró.

The book features these 10 Les Santes characters:

• Robafaves: the giant who gives the Família Robafaves its name.
• Geganta: with her crown, white veil and bouquet of natural flowers.
• Toneta: the daughter of the Família Robafaves, documented since 1853.
• Maneló: Toneta’s husband, who joined the family in 1950.
• Àliga: one of Mataró’s historic figures, documented since 1601.
• Drac: a Fire Figure presented in 1991.
• Dragalió: son of the Drac and the Víbria del Poblenou, born in 2007.
• Momerota: a Fire Figure with a bull’s head, recovered in 1979.
• Momeroteta: daughter of the Momerota, presented in 1982.
• Diablesses: a fire group formed by women, created in 1985.

Colour, read and write

The book combines three activities children can enjoy at their own pace: colouring the figures, reading about them and writing. This helps them discover what each character looks like and notice details they may not have seen before.

The 3rd edition includes revised headings adapted for children and to the way they currently learn at school.

Book details

• Size: 270 × 210 mm.
• Paper: 100% recycled offset paper with FSC certification.
• Illustrations, graphic design and layout: Ferran Muñoz Pérez.
• Proofreading: Elena Ordeig Vila.
• First edition: Sant Jordi 2022.
• Current edition: 3rd edition.
• Production: made in Mataró.

A Giants of Mataró gift for children

It is a gift for children who already look forward to seeing the Giants when Les Santes arrives, as well as those who are just beginning to discover them.

A book to enjoy Mataró’s characters at home, learn their names, discover the Legend of Robafaves and then recognise them when the Festa Major begins.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy a book about the Giants of Mataró?
You can buy Giants of Mataró, to Colour, Read and Write online at Robafaves.cat or in person at Espai Robafaves, carrer de Montserrat, 7, Mataró.

Does the book include the Legend of Robafaves?
Yes. The book includes the Legend of Robafaves and introduces children to the story behind the origin of the Giant of Mataró’s name.

Why is he called Robafaves?
Part of the book is dedicated to explaining to children the legend behind the name Robafaves.

Which Giants of Mataró appear in the book?
The book features Robafaves, Geganta, Toneta and Maneló, together with Àliga, Drac, Dragalió, Momerota, Momeroteta and Diablesses.

How many characters are included?
It includes 10 characters from the Giants and traditional figures of Les Santes, with content to colour, read, write and discover their details.

What age is the book suitable for?
It is mainly designed for school-age children who are learning to read and write, although younger children can also enjoy the colouring illustrations with an adult.

What is the difference between the first and third editions?
The 3rd edition includes revised headings adapted for children and to the way they currently learn at school.

Where was the book made?
The book was illustrated, designed and laid out by Ferran Muñoz Pérez and is made in Mataró. Proofreading is by Elena Ordeig Vila.

Shipping

Delivery within 24–48 hours in Catalonia. You can also collect it free of charge from Espai Robafaves, carrer de Montserrat, 7, Mataró.