Castellers

Castellers are human towers built by Catalan people from Catalonia, Spain. This tradition, known as castells, involves groups of people forming a pyramid of several levels, with the youngest and smallest person, the enxaneta, reaching the top. The act of building a castell is a complex and collaborative effort requiring immense strength, balance, discipline, and trust. Participants, called castellers, train rigorously to master their roles within the structure. The base of the tower, the pinya, is formed by many people who support the weight of those above. Higher levels consist of smaller groups, with each person carefully supporting those on their shoulders. The enxaneta ascends to the summit and raises their hand, signifying the completion of the castell. The descent is as critical as the ascent, with each level carefully disassembling. Castells are performed at festivals and celebrations throughout Catalonia and have become a significant symbol of Catalan culture and identity. The practice is not competitive in the traditional sense, but groups, known as colles castelleres, strive for height, stability, and elegance in their constructions. The origins of castells can be traced back to the 18th century, evolving from earlier pyramid-building traditions.