A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally at festivals in Catalonia, the Balearic islands and the Valencian Community. At these festivals, several colles castelleres (teams that build towers) attempt to build and dismantle a tower’s structure.

What is the Catalan Festival?

Every Saturday evening during the Summer months and in front of the Cathedral, you can find human castles, giants, traditional dances and much more. …

Why is the Catalan festival celebrated?

Catalonia commemorates the 1714 Siege of Barcelona defeat during the War of the Spanish Succession. Throughout the day, there are political demonstrations, concerts and celebration events. Many citizens wave either senyeres. It is a solemnity to honour and remember the relatives and loved ones who had died.

What happens in Los castellers?

Traditionally, the castellers perform their tower building during the main parts of larger festivals. Usually, three colles come together and build their human edifices. Nowadays, the towers are also often built outside of the festivals – the actual season goes from June to November.

What do human towers symbolize?

These human towers, or castells in Catalan, have become a symbol of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain vying for greater autonomy. An impressive act of strength and balance, castells soar several stories high.

Where does human towers take place?

Catalonia
The tradition of building human towers or “castells” dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia, where “colles” or teams compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers.

What is La Merce Barcelona?

Barcelona La Mercè lasts for around 5 days and is a festival held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Mercè, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. The festival, which officially first took place in 1902, bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.

Why is La Merce celebrated?

The celebration of La Mercè has religious origins, honoring the Virgin of Grace (Mare de Déu de la Mercè), patron saint of the archdiocese of Barcelona, and co-patroness—along with Saint Eulàlia—of the city. Since that time, an annual festival has been celebrated in the city in honor of the Virgin.

What is a Falanges?

Falange is the name of a political party whose ideology is Falangism. Falange primarily refers to: Falange Española de las JONS, a Spanish political party active 1934–1937.

Where can I find a pyramids display in Catalonia?

Castellers de Vilafranca. If you are lucky enough to be in Catalonia during the summer then try and find a fiesta where there is a display by the Castellers de Vilafranca. To discover why Catalans have such a terrifying fascination with building human pyramids, or towers, one has to go back to the 17th century when a Valencian dance,…

What are the best festivals to visit in Spain?

Catalan festivals are amongst the very wildest in Spain. One can anticipate concerts, theatrical performances, recitals, fairs, ear-splitting firework displays, giant figures, typical Catalan dances – sardanas – and parties that last all night to blend in with the next day’s activities.

What can you expect from a typical Catalan Festival?

One can anticipate concerts, theatrical performances, recitals, fairs, ear-splitting firework displays, giant figures, typical Catalan dances – sardanas – and parties that last all night to blend in with the next day’s activities. At the heart of them all, however, are the compelling spectacles of Castellers enjoying their death-defying pastime.

What is an impressive Catalan display of human tower?

An Impressive Catalan display of a tower made up of humans. There are different types depending on the number of people on each floor. It is considered built when a young child climbs to the top and raises their hand.