 |
 ls
Castells (the castles) are the human pyramids native to Catalonia.
They originated in a popular dance called the Ball de Valencians
which was common in the 16th Century. The execution of this
dance depended on the creation of a small pyramid made up of
the dancers. These human towers, detached from the original
dance since 1790, were made with a special technique and have
various roles. They gave birth to a phenomenon around Catalonia,
especially in the region of Tarragon, south of Barcelona, around
1885. In the 20th Century the castells spread north, reaching
Vilafranca del Penedès and Terrassa.
The
1980s were an important period: competitions were held regularly
and the castells were higher and higher. This vitality provoked
the expansion of the phenomenon to include the other Catalan
regions, even as far as Majorca. The first castellers became
organised at the dawn of the 21st century and the North Catalonian
castellers from Riberal and Angelets de la Terra participated
in the Championships of Catalonia against colles castellers
(teams) from other regions. The spirit of the competition was
reminiscent of other sporting tournaments. Televised, sponsored
and supported by a great number of spectators the diades castelleres
(days of castles) are a powerful element of the unity and integration
of north and south Catalonia. Technically the castell must abide
by precise rules. At ground level, the base of the tower is
made up of the strongest members of the team. At the summit
the role of enxaneta (pinnacle) is played by a child, boy or
girl. The constructions consist of simple pillars, sometimes
made up of seven, eight or even ten people. These towers are
often formed on a base of 2 people, dos de set (2 x 8), or sometimes
5 people, cinc de vuit
(5 x 8). The object is to attain the highest and most important
tower. Although this tradition began in a small area, it quickly
spread throughout Catalonia and today the breathtakingly high
castells are imitated in Argentina and Mexico.
|
|
