Spain is unique in so many ways but the cultural aspect that makes this country stand out from the rest is their human towers. This impressive tradition is found in northeast Spain in the region of Catalunya. I got to experience it for the first time at La Festa Major in Sitges.
Castells date back to the 18th century in the small town of Valls, about 40 kilometres south of Barcelona, when the Spanish would dance on each other’s shoulders. The phenomenon grew into a competition of castellers trying to out-build themselves with higher and higher towers. It popularized after 1981, when the first 9-storey tower was built and today the tradition is an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Along with the black sash, or faixa, castellers usually wear white trousers with different coloured-shirts that symbolize the part of the Catalunya region they are from. In Barcelona, they are red.


The tower builds on top of the pinya, usually up to 4 or 5 storeys high. Anticipation is building for locals too – they come out to watch from their balcony or pier through their windows. It’s a thrilling experience but the vibe is intense and nerve-wracking – it starts to sway (hence, my crooked pictures) and I wonder if it’s going to come tumbling down like a house of cards!


The most exciting part is watching the anxenta, a small child about 8 years old who winds up at the top to salute the crowd, wave the Catalan flag or raise one hand. Some say this signal represents the stripes of the Catalan flag.


Where and when to experience: The castell season is typically June to November, which is perfect timing because you can get cheap tickets to Spain in the latter part of the season. Traditionally, the castellers perform their tower building during the main parts of larger festivals but sometimes you can find them randomly practising in the squares of Catalan cities like Sitges.
Check out my video of human towers in Sitges, Spain.
Great recap. I'll have to add this of things to experience as well.
nice article!! and photos! only a little clarification about castelelrs: the anxaneta dont' raise four fingers to represent the catalan flag, it is only a salutation (named "fer l'aleta") with the hand…perhaps sometimes it's seems that they raise 4 fingers but it's not….see you this photo for instance:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53670512@N08/8148263…
or
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96047981@N00/6181625…
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Thanks for clarifying! I couldn’t get close enough to see his hand exactly. In all, there is so much symbolism and history behind the casteller tradition. This was indeed my favourite so far!
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That is nerve-wracking! An then after they complete the tower they have to climb down again! I wonder if it's worse for the guys on the bottom or in the middle.
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They do put the heavier castellers at the bottom but it is still a difficult task. They are well trained though, they practise all year around but I'm sure each castell is just as difficult and nerve-wracking for them! They made it look so easy!
I've always wanted to see this in person! My favorite part from seeing pictures and video clips is watching the little girl or boy brave the climb to the top. Ridiculous. Will make it here one day. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment GQ! Luckily, I’ve never experienced anyone fall. It’s a true testament to how talented the castellers are and the little children that make it to the top! I got so nervous just watching!