Processional giants are costumed figures in European folklore, particularly present in Belgian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan, Italian and English folkloric processions. The main feature of these figures is typically their wooden, papier maché or -more recently- synthetic resin head, whilst bodies are covered in clothing matching the costume's theme.
Several such processions are recognised by UNESCO as forms of intangible cultural heritage, including Belgian and French processional giants listed as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and Catalonia's Patum de Berga.
Several such processions are recognised by UNESCO as forms of intangible cultural heritage, including Belgian and French processional giants listed as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and Catalonia's Patum de Berga.
On this postcard sent by Imma (PC), you can see the giants of Olot, existing from the 15th century (the current giants are from the 19th century).
This week's theme in Thursday Postcard Hunt is UNESCO. Everyone is welcome to share their postcards!
Great pick.
ReplyDeleteOur Giants (about 4 metres tall) are known as "Gigantones" (Giants) and they usually appear in the company of the "Cabeçudos" (Big Headed), these being the size of a regular human, but with a totally desproportionate head.
These are typical of the north - Minho, mostly - (and less so, centre west) of the country.
I don't think we have them south of the Tejo.
Around here the gegants are common, and also the cabuts. But also they are in Castile.
DeleteBeautiful postcard. Interesting post about the "giants". I think I have seen similar figures, but they were on floats at Carnival of Viareggio https://mytravelintuscany.com/carnival-of-viareggio/
ReplyDeleteI got a postcard from the Carnival of Viareggio!
DeleteThe Giants of Olot are impressive, as indeed is the square thronged with people.
ReplyDeleteSo many people!! And what a rich history.
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