The giants of Xavier Cugat and his muse will once again grace the streets of Girona on Friday, 23 October, after a two-decade absence. They will be part of the Caixa de Trons group during the opening parade of the Sant Narcís festival.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a gathering at Plaça del Vi, followed by a procession through the Barri Vell, Girona's historic district. These figures were first unveiled on 25 September 1993 and were associated with the Friends of the Giants of Girona until they ceased activity in 2006. For nearly twenty years, they remained stored away, largely forgotten by the public.
Their revival has been made possible through the efforts of Magalí Pérez and Malagelada, who inherited the figures from Maria Carme Ribas, their custodian until her passing on 21 May 2026. The donation to the Caixa de Trons group ensures the preservation of these cultural icons as part of Girona's festive heritage.
More than three decades after their debut, the giants will once again be part of the city's festive landscape, passing on the tradition to new generations. Girona's mayor, Lluc Salellas i Vilar, and the deputy mayor and culture councillor, Quim Ayats Bartrina, visited the figures alongside the president and vice-president of Caixa de Trons, David Arenas and Ferran Sisa.
“Girona is a city with its own character, and the recovery of popular heritage, such as the return of Cugat and the Muse, reinforces this uniqueness. We celebrate this and encourage all Girona residents to embrace this moment with pride and joy,” said Mayor Salellas.
“Recovering the giants of Xavier Cugat and his muse means reclaiming a part of Girona's festive memory. We are particularly excited for their return during the Sant Narcís festival, as popular heritage is alive when it reconnects with the community. Thanks to the donation and the support of Caixa de Trons, these figures will continue to be part of Girona's popular culture and reach new generations,” added Culture Councillor Ayats.
The presence of Xavier Cugat in these figures holds special significance for Girona. Born in the city in 1900, Cugat gained international acclaim as a musician, orchestra conductor, and promoter of Latin music, particularly in the United States. His legacy makes him one of the most internationally recognised Girona artists of the 20th century. The giants will now be displayed at the Centre Cívic Ter, alongside other figures from Caixa de Trons.
