The figures are named Helena and Constantí in reference to a possible etymological origin of the town, according to which the emperor Constantine named the city in memory of his mother, Helena.
This is the third figure that Jordi Arnau Espuga, originally from Les Borges Blanques (les Garrigues), has built for the Northern Catalan town. Two years ago, he created the giant figure of Elisabeth Eidenbenz, founder of the Maternité d'Elna at the end of the Spanish Civil War.
“"The figures are made of fiberglass, a material that makes them "light and very portable"."
The presentation was part of the local group's 20th anniversary celebration and served to retire the old giants. The event was attended by 25 'gegants' groups from across the nation. The new figures stand 3.30 meters tall. Both the costumes (made at Punt de Moda) and the frames (by Taller Peña) were also manufactured in Les Borges Blanques.
Espuga attended the gathering as a member of the Estimem els Gegants group. The Elna group will return the visit for the Festa Major de les Borges, offering an opportunity to see the new pair in Les Garrigues.
