Life in Barcelona

One of the most typical traditions during the local celebrations of Barcelona and Catalunya, are the “Castells”, the HUMAN SKYSCRAPERS!This is an old Catalan tradition from the 18th century, originating in Tarragona (around one and a half hours from Barcelona by car). The Castells was originally acted out as a rivalry between two groups of “dancers”, competing to see who could build the highest human tower!

The towers are erected to the sound of traditional catalan music and the “castellers” (climbers), have to bear in mind many factors (including the laws of physics!), to ensure their saftey. The strongest people are at the bottom of the tower to support the humongous weight, with the lightest people/children at the top. The last person to climb the castle is a young child, who salutes with his/her hand to the crowd below, when they have reached the top. It is at this moment that the castle is considered complete and a second later the climbers begin to descend the tower to loud cheers and applause.

There are two rivalry associations at the moment: one in Tarragona and the other in Barcelona. But even though they are competitors, they work together to promote this unusual breathtaking and fascinating tradition! And, like all Catalan traditions, it’s a really strong and very serious tradition! It is not just fun and games, but a proper sport. In Tarragona, there is a monument to the Castells and the team themselves are one of the most devoted in Spain! The teams in Barcelona are co-ordinated by a well known association who were particularly famous in the 90’s for their castells – often reaching 9 storeys!!!!

It is a very emotional event, standing in the middle of the square and watching all these people working together to build this huge human construction! I was amazed. You cannot blink for a second when they start to build the second, third and fourth levels way above your head and the whole audience seems to hold their breath. When the small child scrambled up the backs of her colleagues, a cold sweat broke out on my forehead!! What a chaos if they fall!!!
It is a dangerous but fascinating tradition. I really like to watch it…but I mean I wouldn’t want to be in their place!!!!

If you want to see the incredible HUMAN SKYSCRAPERS you have to go along to one of the spectacular performances arranged during the year and linked to many other Catalan Festivals! The next event here in Barcelona will be on the 11th February in the San Jaume Square, where the San Eulalia and Winter celebrations take place! The celebration is called FIESTA MAYOR D’HIVERN DE BARCELONA and, basically, it’s another huge street festival in Barcelona and just another excuse to PARTY!!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4782777898152471962

- Laura -

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 at 1:50 pm and is filed under Festivities, General Barcelona, Things to do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.