LIVING

How did you become a giant-maker?

I was asked to repair giants with my dad when I was a boy. He wasn’t a giant-maker but was good with his hands. I began to restore giants in my spare time, and it wasn’t until 10 years later I made my first giant.

How many giant-makers are there in Catalunya?

There are approximately six people who make a legal living from making giants.

What kind of giants do you most like to make?

I love making giants that haven’t been done before. What I really want to do is a dancing couple, ball-room style. Nobody has done that before.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had so far?

I was given the job of creating a three-headed pirate for Girona city. Structurally it was really different from anything I had made, as it needs to be supported by two people.

What are giants made from and how long do they take to make?

Giants are made from moulds, on top of which is stuck a type of cardboard like papier mâché. Once it dries, it is very hard, and can be painted. It takes me approximately a month and a half to make a single giant, and two to two-and-a-half months for a couple.

Who buys giants?

Nearly all my clients are councils or associations [who use the giants to perform dances in town festivals].

How much does a giant sell for?

A small giant sells for €3,000 to €4,000 and a large giant, €5,000 or €6,000. A lot depends on the clothing and hair. A wig [made from real hair] is very expensive, and can cost up to €1,500.