A castell is a human tower
traditionally built during festivals in many places in Catalonia, Spain.
At these festivals, several colles castelleres (teams) meet and try to
build the most impressive towers they can. This tradition originated in
the southern part of Catalonia at the end of the XVIII century. More specifically
in Valls, near the city of Tarragona. The tradition later spread to other
regions of Catalonia and even Mallorca, and has become very popular. However,
the best and most skilled castellers are still found near Tarragona.
A castell is considered
a success when it is properly assembled and dismantled, that is, when everyone
has climbed into place, the enxaneta (the last one) climbs up to the top,
raises one hand (with four fingers erect, said to symbolize the stripes
of the Catalan flag), climbs down the other side of the castell, and then
everyone else comes down safely. Besides the people who actually climb,
many are also needed to form the pinya (the base of the castell). They
help sustain the weight and act as a sort of safety net. |
