There was a meeting of giants from around the region!
These are called Gegants in Catalan and are a familiar feature of local festivals. The smaller figures with large heads are called Cap Grosses
They are usually accompanied by little bands of musicians and large crowds come out to look at them
I think some of the faces are based on real people from the villages but I don’t know if they ever make caricatures of famous people or politicians. Most of the ones I have seen are wearing medieval dress and there is always a king and queen
I have to admit that although it is interesting to see them there is something very alien about them to me. It always reminds me strongly that I am a stranger here. I feel I must be missing something as I don’t understand what they mean to the people who are clearly passionate about them. There are three very Catalan traditions which are very important to the local communities – Gegants, Human towers and dancing the Sardana. Although I am watching from the outside I do get a thrill watching the towers, and although the sardana is a subtle and minimalist dance it also is quite moving to watch and to hear the music. But the gegants – I just don’t get it.
Would be good to have someone explain them to me.
Hola, I will try to share some info about els Gegants i els Cap-grossos.
http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/culturacatalana/menuitem.be2bc4cc4c5aec88f94a9710b0c0e1a0/?vgnextoid=74de5c43da896210VgnVCM1000000b0c1e0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=74de5c43da896210VgnVCM1000000b0c1e0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=detall2&contentid=8a21352101fd7210VgnVCM1000008d0c1e0aRCRD
In this link you can found some history about the origin of this popular figures.(version available in english too)
The first documentations are medieval, the Gegants were representatives of the power (Kings and later also Queens) and the Cap-Grossos were representatives of the menestrals, the artisan workers, who becomes the burgeoisy.
But before this it seems there were already some big figures of animals: Aigles, dunkeys, fènix, etc who were sybols of the nature forces… Still dancing in La Patum de Berga, for example.
xxxx
Hi,
Yes, the “gegants” in Tortosa are all based on actual historical, or legendary, figures from the town’s past – we have a Muslim “queen”, a Jewish guy, Christian re-conquerers, famous Renaissance period author etc.
They are really popular as you say – they’ve just made 2 new ones here! I’m sure if you spoke to someone in the local town hall they’d let you know more about them as each town is very proud of theirs – it’s usually a local association who looks after them and parades them around town.
Wow, I missed this – have only just seen it. Wonderful post, the giants come out ojnnvarious occasions. I don’t understand them eithere, I’ll read Pep’s link to learn some more. ��