CASTELLERS

"Castells" – is a Catalan word that means human being castles- they are a cultural phenomenon particular in Catalonia and consist of putting up human towers. This tradition began at the end of the 18th century in Valls, Tarragona, when rival groups of people called "colles", began to make different kinds of human towers and the best one gained a good reputation. There are three definite parts in a castle:

La Pinya (Base) The "pinya" or base of the castle is the part of the castle that requires the greatest number of people because it has to ensure the vertical erected structure's stability. Everybody has a clearly defined and important part to play and a particular name and specific function for each position. In the event of the castle falling down, the pinya acts as a shock absorber and therefore the falls are usually not hazardous.

El Tronc (The Trunk) The Trunk is the centre part of the castle between the crown ("pom de dalt") the highest part and the base ("pinya") which holds it up. According to its structure and the number of storeys it contains each castle has a different name. Strength and balance are combined by the trunk members to raise the structure as high as possible.Each storey has a different name to describe it.

El Pom de dalt (Crown of the castle) El Pom de dalt (Crown of the castle) The crown of the castle is made up of the last three storeys of the castle" (excepting the pillars). In every case the "anxaneta" (small boy or girl) crowns the structure above the "aixecador",(the raiser) and both these two children are supported by one or two pairs of "dosos" (couples). The crown of the castle is generally made up of very young boys and girls, because they are light and agile making them ideal for these positions. But really, the great protagonist of the constructions the "anxaneta" as he or she is ultimately responsible for the success of the castle and all its members