Processional giant

Processional giants are costumed figures in European folklore, particularly present in Belgian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and English folkloric processions. The main feature of these figures is typically their wooden, papier maché or -more recently- synthetic resin head, whilst bodies are covered in clothing matching the costume's theme.

This article is about static figures carried in processions or worn as costumes. For giant street puppets controlled by puppeteers, see Giant puppet.

Processional giant
Processional giants (Gegants) in the feast of La Mercè, in Barcelona
MaterialLightweight materials such as papier maché
Present locationEurope and Latin America

Since 2008, Belgian and French processional giants have been recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, as part of the binational listing of 'Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France'.

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