What a Pair

Meet Andreau and La Roser, our local giants.
Modelled on a pair of neanderthals, literally, I am not being rude, they are a tribute to our prehistoric cave dwellers whose home lies just outside the village. An exhibition and park have been developed to show the excavations off in their best light.
Gegants or giants are a common feature in local fiestas, and as St Anthony or Andreau in Catalan is the patron saintt of our village and today is the feast of Santa Roser the christening of this lovely pair was not difficult.
The figures stand 3.3 metres tall and have a wooden frame, they are conveyed by strong young men of the village in a dance to the tunes of a band of drums and fifes or flutes. Often they are accompanied by cap grossos, or life sized models with hugely exaggerated heads which caper and frighten the children.
It is unclear where the tradition came from, but it is fun and as far as I can see harmless. Andreau and Roser only reappeared a couple of years ago, the most visible sign of the local councils plan to promote the village.