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Team Up With Tradition in Catalonia's Castell Festival
Published by Aaron JacksonCrabb, Writer
Country: Spain 
The Experience
As May creeps into June, you should be packing your bags, buying a ticket and flying over the Atlantic to eastern Spain to participate in a festival called the Castells of Catalonia. It is at this time, in a tradition passed through the generations, that teams of “castellers” get together in small towns throughout Catalonia and construct what can only be described as “human towers,” up to 3-stories in height, as a dramatic form of competition and regional pride.
Participating in the Castells of Catalonia, you will be witnessing a tradition that began in the 17th century in a small village called Valls in France, and which arrived in north-eastern Spain in the 18th century. Historians claim the tradition was started by local dance groups creating human structures as part of their performances. But in modern times the Castells of Catalonia now involves more than 7,000 castellers within 54 teams across the region, and who raise an astounding 16,000 castells per year. The motto of these castellers is “Balance, Courage, Reason and Strength,” and it’s easy to see why.
The rules are simple: to be successful, the “colles” (teams) must successfully build and dismantle their tower of “castellers” (team members). All castells are constructed in three parts: pinya, tronc, and pom de dalt, and each part of the castell is as important as the next if the team wants to be successful. The “pinya,” or base, is formed of the strongest people to take the most weight, as it acts like a shock absorber in case someone up top falls. On top of the pinya, the “tronc” is built, depending on the style of castell being constructed. This takes a number of castellers as well as a number of levels to complete. Then comes the last section, known as “pom de dalt,” which is followed by the single crowning moment when a young child climbs up onto the top of the tower to salute the public. This final stage is known as “anxaneta.”
As a participant, you will stand shoulder to shoulder with the others, observing and forming the pinya as the music fills the plaza and the group surges together. The music will change into a different rhythm as the tronc, made up of one to five people, begins to take shape. Once this human structure is set into place, the music changes again, and the “pom de dalt” is formed. Every stage is filled with passion, hope and a commitment to complete the castell, and the energy and stress in the participants is obvious as they patiently endure the physical strain. Finally, the last casteller, known as the “anxaneta,” begins the slow climb to the top.
It is widely accepted within Catalan society that participating in building castells creates a positive bond between the participants. This creative tradition, once only allowed to men, is now open to women, children and foreigners to participate in raising castells each year. Whether the tower fails or if it is crowned, it is a moment of triumph for everyone involved, and that makes it a perfect excuse to come to Catalonia and experience a union between people that will last a lifetime.
Participating in the Castells of Catalonia, you will be witnessing a tradition that began in the 17th century in a small village called Valls in France, and which arrived in north-eastern Spain in the 18th century. Historians claim the tradition was started by local dance groups creating human structures as part of their performances. But in modern times the Castells of Catalonia now involves more than 7,000 castellers within 54 teams across the region, and who raise an astounding 16,000 castells per year. The motto of these castellers is “Balance, Courage, Reason and Strength,” and it’s easy to see why.
The rules are simple: to be successful, the “colles” (teams) must successfully build and dismantle their tower of “castellers” (team members). All castells are constructed in three parts: pinya, tronc, and pom de dalt, and each part of the castell is as important as the next if the team wants to be successful. The “pinya,” or base, is formed of the strongest people to take the most weight, as it acts like a shock absorber in case someone up top falls. On top of the pinya, the “tronc” is built, depending on the style of castell being constructed. This takes a number of castellers as well as a number of levels to complete. Then comes the last section, known as “pom de dalt,” which is followed by the single crowning moment when a young child climbs up onto the top of the tower to salute the public. This final stage is known as “anxaneta.”
As a participant, you will stand shoulder to shoulder with the others, observing and forming the pinya as the music fills the plaza and the group surges together. The music will change into a different rhythm as the tronc, made up of one to five people, begins to take shape. Once this human structure is set into place, the music changes again, and the “pom de dalt” is formed. Every stage is filled with passion, hope and a commitment to complete the castell, and the energy and stress in the participants is obvious as they patiently endure the physical strain. Finally, the last casteller, known as the “anxaneta,” begins the slow climb to the top.
It is widely accepted within Catalan society that participating in building castells creates a positive bond between the participants. This creative tradition, once only allowed to men, is now open to women, children and foreigners to participate in raising castells each year. Whether the tower fails or if it is crowned, it is a moment of triumph for everyone involved, and that makes it a perfect excuse to come to Catalonia and experience a union between people that will last a lifetime.
When to Go to Castell Catalonia
Starting on August 15, la Bisbal del Penedès, followed by Vilafranca del Penedès on August 30th.
In September there is La Mercè Festival in Barcelona.
In late October there is Diada de Santa Ursula in Valls.
There is a contest on November 1 dedicated to All Souls Day.
Then in late November look for Diada dels Minyons de Terassa in Terrassa.
Held every two years in Tarragona (on the first Sunday of October) is a castle competition called Concurs de Castells.
Odds n' Ends
UNESCO declared on November 16, 2010 that the building of castells in Catalonia be declared among the Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This declaration by UNESCO raises awareness on intangible cultural heritage, and encourages local communities to protect them and the local people who sustain these cultural expressions.
As of 2010, the Catalan society deemed castell building as a highly positive contribution to community and expression. It is known that 98 percent of the Catalonian population knows about castells, and two out of three Catalans have seen the construction of a tower in person at least once.
As of 2010, the Catalan society deemed castell building as a highly positive contribution to community and expression. It is known that 98 percent of the Catalonian population knows about castells, and two out of three Catalans have seen the construction of a tower in person at least once.
Want a Guide?
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Places to Eat
- Casa Calvet
- Opening in 1994, chef Miquel Alija combines Asian cuisine with an influence of Mediterranean traditions. His culinary creations are full of nuances, original and state of the art such as fresh duck liver with sour oranges, partridge with chestnuts or rosemary ice-cream. Our seasonal menu, varies according to season together with our high quality wine list directed by our sommelier Paquita Castro, we have built our restaurant into one of the city's most recommended dining venues.
- 7 Portes
- A history dating back to the turn of the 18th century 7 Portes has been using natural and seasonal fruits and vegetables combined with southern Spain influences to combine ingredients in a simple preparation. Taking care of basic details such as slow roasting, 24-hour marination and picking daily fresh herbs to adding in finishing touches adding aroma and texture to each dish like slivered almonds, diced garlic, splashing wine or the zest of lemons. 7 Portes offers an a-la-carte menu to service your daily needs.
- Los Caracoles
- Honored since 1835 through cooking high quality traditional cooking six generations of families have continued using a single main ingredient snails in their dishes. Four generations ago the owners renamed the restaurant after this famous dish, Los Caracoles. A rotational menu noon and night a few specialty entrees include Jamon serrano (Chili glazed ham), Cebollitas romana (Roman onions), and Esparragos con mahonesa (Asparagus with mayonnaise). Serving group sharing portions bring your friends and family to enjoy this fine dining experience.
Recommended Places to Stay
- La Paloma Hotel
- Offering privacy and discretion, La Paloma Hotel has spacious rooms with international channels, movies and music. Including 24 Hour room service and private parking. Open all year.
- Molí Blanc Hotel
- Our main characteristics are quietness, warmness and family courtesy at Molí Blanc Hotel. Originally built as an old paper mill dating back to 1750. We have restored and transformed into a charming hotel with the comforts of technology. Located in central Catalonia, with access to highway A2 leading directly to Barcelona-Lleida 35 minutes away. Ten minutes further and you reach the beaches of Costa Daurada. Bring your travel woes and leave them behind in this natural and quiet environment. Our efficient staff will make this stay unforgettable.
- Apartaments Ramblanova
- Thirteen comfortable intimate apartment flats offering full services for tourists visiting the area. Our apartments opened in the summer of 2006. A refreshing facility for someone seeking charm and character to fit their perfect accommodation needs. Our facility is located in the heart of Lualada, close to all shops and services including local bus and train stations. Stay for a night, a week or longer. Our self contained apartments are 30 and 50 meters-squared including all furnishings. We are ready when you are.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Quietness and elegance inside an ancient mill. Tranquillity and quality are just two of the main characteristics of Moli Blanc Hotel, an ancient paper mill ... 3 miles away
$66 EUR+
Set in the heart of Igualada, the Ramblanova Apartments Igualada is within a five minute walk from Igualada Muleteer's Museum. For the comfort and safety ... 5 miles away
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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Books and DVDs
Media References
- Close-Up: Catalonia's human towers - BBC.co.uk (newspaper)
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