See dancing giants

Aug 14 2008 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

CATALONIAN Giants will be one of the more unusual sights for visitors to the New Lanark World Heritage Site this weekend.

Giant dancing figures, up to 16.5ft tall, will appear at New Lanark on Saturday between 11am and 1pm.

The tall, colourful and impressive puppet figures are Catalonian Gegants (giants) which are an important tradition in Catalonia. This particular group of Gegants visiting New Lanark are called Colla Gegantera and they have travelled from Vacarisses, a small town to the north west of Barcelona.

They plan to entertain Scottish audiences with some celebratory costumed dance, traditional music, and Catalonian culture.

Based on local heroes and historical figures from their town, these amazing characters are carried on the performer's shoulders, and take part in processions and special occasions, and can even perform simple dances.

Visitors to New Lanark will be able to see and enjoy the spectacle of Colla Gegantera as the group perform around the World Heritage Site.

There is no charge, just come along and be entertained. Colla Gegantera is performing as part of a tour organised by West Lothian Independent Dancers.