Matthew Feliu i Medinyà was, without a doubt, the person who participated in the Dance of Death for the longest time. He joined at just **8 years old**, carrying one of the ash plates (Platets). He later carried the Clock, and when he outgrew the costumes, he served as one of the Manages and as an apostle.
Once fully grown, he rejoined the group, this time taking on the role of the Scythe (the Capdanser), a character he portrayed for **24 years**. His service was only interrupted by the four years the procession was suspended due to the Civil War.
Finally, in his later years, he became the leader of the Death squad as the Drummer. He held this position for **34 years**, never leaving it until he had to dance to the beat of a different drum—that of his own death.
He passed away on January 15, 1990. That Holy Week, the legion of **Manages** offered a salute of respect as they passed his home. The most moving moment, however, came when the **Dance of Death** stopped in front of the Feliu family home. In an impromptu gesture, each participant slowly extended the prop they carried, paying one last tribute to the man who had not only held nearly every one of them but had also faithfully guided their movements to the sound of the drum for so many years.
Read more about other notable figures of Verges who shaped this unique tradition.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
