castelleres

Castelleres refers to the participants in the tradition of building human towers known as castells, practiced primarily in Catalonia, Spain, and in Catalan diaspora communities. The term castelleres is the feminine plural form in Catalan, used to designate female castellers; in practice, teams are typically mixed and the activity is collective.

Castells are formed by teams called colles castellera, which rehearse and perform during festivals in public squares. The towers are built layer by layer, with a dense base called the pinya that provides stability and absorbs falls. Above the pinya, successive levels form the tronc, and the final climber is known as the enxaneta, who raises a hand to signal completion before the tower is carefully deconstructed.

The tradition has historical roots in the 18th century, with origins linked to the town of Valls in Tarragona. Over time it evolved into a broader cultural practice across Catalonia. Castells gained international recognition when UNESCO inscribed the tradition on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Participation emphasizes teamwork, balance, courage, and mutual trust. Training focuses on technique, safety, and coordination among dozens or even hundreds of participants. Castells are showcased at communal celebrations and have become a symbol of regional identity, shared heritage, and social cohesion in Catalonia and among Catalan communities worldwide.