In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added Castells to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The people who form these human towers, known as castellers, wear white pants, black waistbands, scarves, and a shirt that is the color of their group. The color groups are known as Colles. The Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya represents sixty Colles. In the 1970s, castells reached seven levels, but today they reach up to nine levels. Only ten Colles represented by the Casteller association have managed to attain this level of difficulty. As the castellers build the castell through teamwork and strength, musicians play gralles, a traditional Catalan wind instrument, and the timbal, a kind of drum.
The levels explained:
The Pinya (1) is a large group that makes up the base of the castell forming the foundation and controlling the development of the tower. It also serves as a human cushion in case of collapse.
The Folre (2) is next and has the role of holding up the third level and supporting and strengthening the second.
The Manilles (3) is only found in extremely difficult castells stand atop the folre and help hold up the fourth.
The Tronc (4-6) consists of three levels with two people on each one.
The Pom de Dalt (7-8) is made of a level of two children called the dosos. The aixecador holds the dosos together.
The top of the castell is always an Enxaneta (9), a small child between ages 5 and 10. Now they wear foam helmets for protection. When the enxaneta raises his or her hand, known as the aleta, the castell is complete.
This was a very unique tradition to experience. It is symbolic that all groups no matter the color team help support the base of the castell. Catalans are unified and proud as they actively try to preserve their culture and language after Spanish suppression.
About the Authors
Group 14: Jarrett Wright (Broadcast Journalism) Morgan Kozak (Print Journalism) Shelby Rutherford (Visual Communications) Gabriella Fodi (Advertising) Grace Blumhardt (Public Relations)