An Exciting Experience
Giants essentially evoke a sense of enthusiasm and fascination. This emotion transports us back to childhood, connecting us with deep memories and feelings. According to the folklorist and writer Amadeu Carbó, this attraction to giants is an element deeply rooted in our subconscious and is part of our rich cultural heritage.
A Unique Exhibition
The exhibition ‘Now they dance! The giants in the procession of Corpus Christi’ is an initiative commemorating six hundred years since the first written mention of processional giants in Europe. This exhibition, curated by Amadeu Carbó, Nil Rider and Nico Alonso, offers a didactic and meticulous view, including a facsimile page from the Book of Solemnities of Barcelona from 1424, which details the various representations that took part in the city’s Corpus Christi procession .
A Historical Journey
The 1424 document is fundamental to understanding the exhibition and raises questions about the origin of the giants. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona, ​​the Archbishopric of Barcelona and the Cathedral of Barcelona, ​​seeks to deepen the knowledge of the feast of Corpus Christi and highlight the festive elements that have enriched the Corpus Christi procession of Barcelona over the centuries.
Objectives and Meaning
The objectives of the exhibition include the exploration of the feast of Corpus Christi, its composition and protocol, the dissemination of unique aspects of the giants and the valorization of the festive elements that have participated in this celebration. In addition, the exhibition seeks to contribute to the protection, promotion and dissemination of the Corpus Christi festival in Barcelona, ​​declared a Heritage Festival of National Interest in 2021.
A Deep Look
Amadeu Carbó, expert in festive imagery, highlights the importance of the study of giants as a tool to interpret the city and society. This exhibition, enriched with images of significant documentary value, offers a unique opportunity to explore and thoroughly understand this cultural manifestation.
Historical and Artistic Wealth
The exhibition presents pieces of high artistic value, including the original Pi giants and the Carnestoltes giants, as well as a map of the giants that appeared in Europe during the 15th century. This exhibition complements the permanent collection ‘Barcelona al carrer. See and be seen. The procession of Corpus Christi’, located on the upper floor of the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona.
