Castellers are a traditional form of human tower-building that originated in the Catalonia region of Spain. The word “casteller” comes from the Catalan word for “castle,” and the practice involves groups of people, known as “colles,” coming together to construct intricate and impressive human towers.
The tradition of castells dates back to the late 18th century and has since become an essential part of Catalan culture and identity. It has also spread to other parts of Spain and gained recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
The structure of a castell typically consists of a solid and sturdy base formed by a large group of people, with successive layers of participants climbing up to form the upper levels. The towers can reach impressive heights, often with several “floors” or levels of participants, and the smallest castells can be three people high, while the largest can be up to ten people high or even more.
Building a castell requires immense strength, coordination, and teamwork. The participants, known as “castellers,” train extensively to perfect their technique and synchronize their movements during performances. Safety is a crucial aspect, and the construction and deconstruction of the tower are done meticulously to minimize any risks.
The pinnacle moment of a castell is when a young child, often referred to as the “enxaneta,” climbs to the very top and raises a hand, symbolizing the raising of the Catalan flag. The success of a castell is determined by the completion of the tower and the descent without any collapse.
Throughout the year, there are various festivals and events in Catalonia and other regions of Spain where different colles come together to showcase their skills and compete in building the most impressive and complex human towers. These events are a vibrant and joyful celebration of Catalan culture, unity, and community spirit.