The practice of building human towers, known as ‘castells’, represents a defining cultural tradition in Catalonia. This remarkable feat of physical endurance, cooperation and communal identity has become a symbol of Catalan heritage. Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Castellers continue to captivate onlookers with their displays of teamwork and balance.
Historical Origins of Human Towers of Catalonia
The origins of castells can be traced to the region of Valencia in the 17th century, where participants engaged in traditional dances known as ‘Ball de Valencians’. These dances incorporated small human pyramids which later evolved into the standalone practice of building castells. By the late 18th century, this tradition had migrated to Catalonia, particularly to the town of Valls in Tarragona province. Here, it developed into a structured activity distinct from its Valencian roots.
Around Tarragona and Penedès, castells became most prevalent. Historical records from 1805 describe two rival groups in Valls – farmers and craftsmen – competing to build human towers. These groups formed the foundation of today’s Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls and Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls, which remain prominent casteller teams.
Initially, castells were primarily associated with religious and civic festivals. Over time, they became a secular celebration, firmly rooted in Catalonia’s regional identity. Despite occasional periods of decline, including during the Spanish Civil War, the tradition experienced a revival in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, castells are not only a cultural practice but also a unifying force within Catalan society.
How the Human Towers of Catalonia are Built
Building a castell involves constructing multi-tiered human towers that can reach up to ten levels. Each tower is meticulously planned and requires a precise balance of strength, skill and coordination.
The Pinya: This base layer consists of dozens of participants who provide the foundation and absorb the weight of the upper levels. The pinya plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of the structure by acting as a protective cushion in the event of a fall.
The Tronc: This main body of the tower consists of several levels of participants standing on each other’s shoulders. Each level typically involves fewer participants as the tower ascends, requiring increasing balance and agility.
The Pom de Dalt: The uppermost section of the tower includes children, known as ‘enxanetes’, who crown the structure by raising their arms in a gesture of triumph. These young participants are usually the lightest and most agile, making them suitable for this delicate task.
The Folre and Manilles: For particularly tall towers, additional supporting layers known as the ‘folre’ (second base) and ‘manilles’ (third base) are added above the ‘pinya’ to distribute weight and provide stability.
Are the Human Towers Dangerous?
Although castells are inherently risky, numerous safety protocols have been developed to minimise injuries. Participants often wear helmets, particularly the ‘enxanetes’ and the ‘pinya’ ensures a controlled descent in case of collapse. Rigorous training and physical conditioning are also essential components of preparation.
Where to See the Human Towers
Castells are most commonly performed in Catalonia during local festivals and cultural events. Some of the best places to experience this tradition include:
Valls: Widely regarded as the birthplace of castells, Valls hosts numerous performances, particularly during its annual festivals. This town also features fierce rivalries between its two historic colles, enhancing the intensity of performances.
Tarragona: The Concurs de Castells is held every two years in the Catalonian port city of Tarragona. It is the most prestigious castell competition, attracting teams from across the region.
Barcelona: Major festivals like La Mercè in September feature impressive castell performances at iconic locations such as Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Vilafranca del Penedès: Known for its strong casteller tradition, this town holds notable events during the Festa Major in late August. The Castellers de Vilafranca, established in 1948, are renowned for their skill and have achieved some of the most challenging feats in castell history, including the torre de nou amb folre in 2005. This team, distinguished by their green shirts, exemplifies modern castell excellence and often performs to the accompaniment of grallers playing traditional music.
Cultural Significance of the Human Towers
Castells are far more than a physical spectacle; they serve as a powerful symbol of unity, tradition and social cohesion. The motto of the Castellers, ‘Força, Equilibri, Valor i Seny’ (Strength, Balance, Courage and Common Sense), encapsulates the values underpinning this practice.
The human towers are deeply intertwined with Catalan identity. They are often performed during local festivals, such as the ‘Festa Major’, as well as at significant cultural and political events. Interestingly, the building of a castell seems to have almost become a metaphor for Catalonia’s collective aspiration for self-determination.
One of the most remarkable aspects of castells is their inclusivity. Participants, or ‘castellers’, come from diverse backgrounds and span all ages and genders. Each member plays a crucial role, reflecting the egalitarian ethos of the tradition. The collaborative effort required to build a castell fosters a profound sense of community and mutual respect.
A unique feature of castell performances is the accompaniment of traditional music. The ‘grallers’, who play the ‘gralla’, provide a lively soundtrack that builds anticipation as the tower rises. The crescendo of music mirrors the tension and excitement of the audience which creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Human Towers in the Modern Era
The resurgence of castells in the 20th century was driven by a renewed interest in Catalan culture following decades of suppression under Franco’s regime. Today, there are more than 100 colles castelleres (castell teams) across Catalonia and beyond. These groups compete in regional contests, such as the prestigious ‘Concurs de Castells’ held biennially in Tarragona.
Modern castellers benefit from advancements in training techniques and equipment. Video analysis and data modelling are now employed to optimise performance and reduce risks. Additionally, the use of lightweight and durable clothing has enhanced safety and comfort during performances.
The inclusion of castells in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage has elevated their global profile. Today, casteller performances can be seen at international cultural festivals and events, further solidifying their status as an emblem of Catalan heritage.
Despite their popularity, castells face several challenges in the contemporary era. The physical demands of the practice, coupled with the potential for injury, have led to debates about the ethics of involving young children as ‘enxanetes’. Additionally, the increasing complexity of modern towers has raised concerns about sustainability and participant safety.
As castells continue to evolve, practitioners must navigate the tension between preserving traditional methods and embracing innovation. Striking this balance is crucial to ensuring the longevity of the practice whilst maintaining its cultural authenticity.
