What are the castells of Catalonia?
A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally at festivals in Catalonia, the Balearic islands and the Valencian Community. At these festivals, several colles castelleres (teams that build towers) attempt to build and dismantle a tower’s structure.
What is Los castells festival?
“Castells” (human towers) It is considered built when a young child climbs to the top and raises their hand. Hopefully, they won’t all topple down after, but if they do, the young children are wearing helmets for protection. Dates: 16th May, 23rd May, 13th June, 20th June, 27th June, 29th August.
What are Spain’s castells?
The “castells” (human castles) have been awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation. They are a very popular and spectacular event, typical of Catalan culture, in which impressive human towers that are six to ten storeys high rise up and seem to touch the sky.
What are the castells de Tarragona?
Castells were first documented as a cultural form in 1801. They appeared in Tarragona, a rural and religious province of Catalonia. With nineteenth century industrialization, they became a traditional practice, central to popular nationalist celebrations.
Where is the castells?
Catalonia
Declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010, castells are recognized as having a “rich cultural diversity” and significance within Catalonia. There are currently between 60 and 70 castell teams (colles) in Catalonia, some of which appear at large, bi-annual competitions in Tarragona, Spain.
Where does Los castells take place?
The Catalan tradition of building human towers or castells (the Catalan word for ‘castle’) originated in Valls, near the city of Tarragona in Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain with its own distinct language and culture.