The strongest people form the base, or bottom, of the castell, with younger and lighter people forming the upper layers. The smallest child is always at the top! Because the tradition can be dangerous, all children are required to wear special helmets.
The castells, like many Catalan traditions, have a deep root in the history of the region. While the human towers began in the ancient kingdom of Valencia, they soon spread all over Catalunya. Today, these traditions are maintained as a way of remembering the rich history and culture that makes Catalunya stand out from the rest of Spain. In addition to the castells, the festival of La Mercè also celebrates other traditions such as the Giants Parade and Correfoc (literally “fire run”).
In my opinion, the tradition of the castells is connected to the environment of Barcelona because it represents the pride that the people have in Catalan culture, history, and language. Around 300 years ago, Barcelona was part of a kingdom that was independent from Spain. The people of Barcelona had their own style of living that was unique from other parts of Spain, with their own government, language, and even their own foods. Even though Barcelona became a part of Spain in 1714, the region has maintained a strong link with its language and history. All in all, Catalans are known for being proud of their traditions, like the castells.
Do you have traditions that you celebrate with your family? What parts of your culture and heritage are you proud of?
