HUMAN TOWERS

Human towers are traditionally built in festivals at many locations in Catalunya. At these festival serveral teams called “colles” try to build and dismantle different structures. In 2010, castells were declared by UNESCO to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Origin:

This tradition started in Valls, in the southern part of Catalunya. Later it expanded to other regions and even foreign people have joined in some “colles” to try this unique experience.

The goal:

A “castell” is considered a success when the team manages to build and dismantle the human tower. The tower is completed when all the “castellers” have climbed to their places and the “enxaneta”, who is the child 

that climbs to the top of the tower, raises one hand with four fingers to symbolize the Catalan flag. But others are needed to form the “pinya” (bottom base) to sustain its weight and act as a cushion to protect the people who fall down when the tower comes apart.

Music:

Music is very important to indicate the moment when the “castellers” have to start climbing and building the structure. Each “colla” has a band which accompaines them in every festival. The band has many musicians that play the “timbal” or “gralla” because these are the typical instruments. The music is always the same and it’s called “Toc de castells”. It’s a tune that brings concentration and strength to the “castellers” and has become a symbol for the Catalan people.

Clothing: 

“Castellers” wear white trousers, a black sash which is the most important part of the outfit because it supports the lower back and it is used by others to climb up. To complete the outfit they wear a bandana and a coloured shirt. Each team has a different colour and also different symbol. They don’t wear shoes neither socks because they have to put their feet on the shoulders of the others. The “enxaneta” also wears a helmet to protect her/his head because sometimes people get injured when they fall off and the “enxaneta” is the youngest and the one who has to go highest, so she/he is at risk. 

Would you try it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rFYElaPXFQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYUUjhUiQcg (toc de Castells)

Judit and Rut