Do you know the Home dels Nassos?
Every 31st December, in Catalonia, a very special character appears: ‘l’ Home dels Nassos’, the man who has as many noses as there are days left in the year.
On that day, the elders tell the children to go out and look for him in the streets… but no one can find him. Do you know why?
His purpose is to symbolise the year that is ending and that we are leaving behind to welcome the new one. He does this with his big nose, walking through the streets and squares of the town, to remember the year that is ending (beautiful, boring, fantastic, magical, difficult moments…) and to review the hopes placed in the coming year.
In Torroella de Montgrí, the figure of Home dels Nassos has its own endearing history.
The giant head was made in 1975 when a disused giant head was transformed. That same year, the character of l’Home dels Nassos made his first traditional tour of the town’s streets, dressed as a shepherd and accompanied by grallers, handing out sweets to the children.
You can consult the full programme for the Festa de l’Home dels Nassos in the Torroella de Montgrí events calendar.
And you… have you seen l’home dels nassos?
Maybe yes… or maybe no.
But remember: he only appears on the last day of the year, and if you see him, pay attention! Because with his big nose, he bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new one with a smile.
Photo: Museu de la Mediterrània
