Human Towers
By far one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life are castells, or human towers. It’s a tradition in the Catalonia region of Spain. Groups, or collas, come together and build these gigantic human towers with a base, or pinya (literally pineapple), the climbers to form the middle layers, and small children that climb to the top. Yes, SMALL CHILDREN. Like under five years old. In Tarragona, there are two collas: Xiquets and Jove.
One of my host families is part of Xiquets de Tarragona, so I had the opportunity to attend one of their practices. They are most active during the summer months when the weather is warm and there are plenty of festivals to show off their skills. I got to see the practice for the important Concurs de Castells on October 5. It’s a huge gathering of collas from all over Catalunya that come and compete with the best structures.
Last summer, I saw them practice when I was in Spain the first time. I even climbed some guy’s shoulders. I think I’m ready to be a castellera now. This year, I just watched from afar since they had their competition coming up. Unfortunately, tickets are already sold out so I won’t get the opportunity to see them compete live.
View from the 3rd floor
The Catalan Identity
Castells are recognized as a UNESCO “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible History of Humanity”. The practice dates back to the 1880s and they are very important to the Catalan identity. The Concurs de Castells takes place every two years (even years) in Tarragona. There are many different shapes and structures with some being more difficult than others.
I was a cheerleader and I’m used to throwing and stacking people, but these things are absolutely spectacular. I’m usually desensitized to people falling out of cheerleading stunts, but when these things come crashing down, it can be a pretty scary event, especially knowing there are children at the top. Luckily, the kids wear helmets!
Formula of a Castell
How are the castells built? Usually the strongest and heaviest people are on the bottom. The base (pinya) is composed of many people. There are the core people who join hands and then the people who surround them, applying pressure and giving support. Then, the next layer forms. The people in the next layer climb up the backs of the people on the ends and crawl across the crowd of people. The next layers do the same thing, but then they have to climb up the backs of people until they can form the next layer. Finally, the children form the top layer. When they’ve hit the layer, they slide down like firemen down a pole.
I see more people discovering the art of castells. They really are something beautiful and amazing. I always tell the people I know who do castells to send me pictures because I’m always amazed. Hopefully some day you will be able to see this awesome tradition and tell all your friends about how they have changed your life.
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