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On Catholic holidays and at local festivals in Tropea, there are always two giant, brightly-clad papier mâché figures who herald the special occasion with dancing and the intoxicating beat of drums.

“The Giants” or “I Giganti”, as they are known in Tropea, come from an old local tradition whose origins can most likely be found in a Calabrian folk tale.

The couple are:
Grifone, a Turkish king who comes from the sea, represented with a dark complexion and a moustache, and
Mata, a white well-to-do commoner, arrayed in colourful garments, large earrings and red cheeks – his prize, whom he attempts to carry away.

Yet the historic roots of the dance of the “GIGANGTI” are probably Aragonese. During Spanish rule and in the time of the Turkish invasions, these influences came to Calabria with the Saracens.

What’s also interesting is that this tradition is not only found in Calabria but also crops up in Sicily and even in Spain, Malta and Belgium, although always slightly altered and with other myths as the background.

The ritual dance of the giants is a true triumph of the love between Mata and Grifone. Spurred on by the rhythmic beat of drums, the dance is then sealed with an embrace and a kiss.

 

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