The study, promoted by the L'Arboç Council and led by Taller Avall of Reus, concluded that the busts of the old giants, known as Chabrán and Llúcia, do not date from 1827 as previously believed. The investigation, which included X-ray tests carried out at the Centre Mèdic Quirúrgic (CMQ) in Reus and two years of documentary research, attributes nearly 400 years of history to the figures.
“"We would be looking at religious figures repurposed to be giants, the oldest preserved in Europe."
The research confirmed that the busts were created between 1650 and 1670 and were originally two of the four figures representing the town's co-patron saints, which adorned the altarpiece of the church of Sant Julià, a work by Domènec Rovira el Major. Specifically, Chabrán was originally Saint Justin and Llúcia was Saint Victoria.
“"It is a great source of pride and great satisfaction."
This historical revelation, which the council believes places the municipality on the map of European popular culture, was presented to the public at the L'Arboç church this Saturday. From now on, the old giants will be permanently exhibited in the display cases of the town's Casa de la Cultura, where their new historical and cultural value will be explained.
