In many European towns, giants, animals, and dragon figures are part of traditional processions in which they represent a collective ensemble of festive popular manifestations and ritual representations. During the end of the fourteenth century, these figures made their debut as symbols of identity, and continue to serve as such in many Belgian (Ath, Brussels, Dendermonde, Mechelen, and Mons) and French (Cassel, Douai, Pézenas, and Tarascon) towns, and they remain practiced. The processional giant is a huge figure that represents a fictitious or real being. It is carried during processions and dances in the streets. Tradition claims it originated from medieval rites. The physiognomy and size of the giant vary, as does the name was given to it by the regions. For example, the Flemings refer to Reuze, while the Picards call it Gayant.
Typically, giants, dragons, and other large-scale models vary from about nine meters in height and weigh up to 350 kilos. They represent mythical heroes or creatures, contemporary local figures, historical, Biblical, or legendary characters, or trades. One of the symbols of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, the Giant is made by ancestral cultural practices that have lived on. It is present at regional festivals and events and represents the northern community. Over 450 giants are spread throughout the region. However, there are also more dynamic intra-regional zones, which are clustered around central points. St. George fighting the dragon is situated in Mons; Bayard is a famous horse from Charlemagne's legend. Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman are popular family characters who parade at Cassel. While the performances are often mixed with a secular procession and religious ceremony, they still follow a precise ritual in which the giants relate to the local history, legend, or town life. Belgium, for example, has nearly 1500 giants that have been present on its soil. They appear as early as the 14th century and the oldest known giant is Goliath of Nivelles, which has been mentioned since 1457. Belgium also has the largest giant in Europe, Jean Turpin of Nieuwpoort, which measures over 11 meters in height.
During the popular festival, giants and dragons play major roles as they enliven popular festivities at least once each year. Each effigy has its specific feast day, and they have its specific day. They act out historical scenes and dance on the streets as the crowd follows. Many participants help in preparing for the festival, and they all help at different stages, as part of the processions. A giant sculpture and its continued maintenance require months of work and know-how in various techniques to achieve the desired effects given the range of materials used. Although these forms of expression are not threatened with an immediate disappearance, they do face several pressures, such as major changes to town centers and an increase in tourism. This leads to the detriment of the popular, spontaneous nature of the festival.
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