Teams at the 30th castells competition in Catalonia built multi-level human towers, climbing over castellers supporting the base. Children traditionally occupy the highest tiers.
Thousands of spectators gathered at the Tarraco Arena in Tarragona for the 30th castells competition, where Catalan teams build human towers. Held in early October, the event again demonstrated how much the structures depend on coordinated teamwork. The Associated Press reported that teams competed to build the tallest and most complex towers.
Participants, known as castellers, form a dense base called the pinya to support those climbing above them. The middle levels, or tronc, usually consist of two to five older and stronger participants. The lightest climbers, often children, occupy the top tiers known as the pom de dalt. Anyone can join the crowd supporting the base.
Spectators cheered when teams completed their towers and watched tensely when a structure collapsed. Participants told CNN Brasil that the activity demands strength, concentration and trust. Júlia Cami of the Castellers de Valls said the tradition helps develop those qualities. Júlia Costa, who leads the children’s section of the Castellers d’Igualada, said younger members need to feel supported by the whole group.
The contest also drew visitors from abroad. Abhishek Salavkar, 21, travelled from India and described taking part as a childhood dream come true. The castells tradition was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.