Skip to main content

Els castells - human towers

One of the oldest and the most interesting catalan traditions are the human towers. The first ones were built in Valls (near the town of Tarragona) in 1712 and 8 years ago were declared by UNESCO to be amongs the Masterpices of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. 

'Els castells' are rising from the ground only with the human strength. Everybody has to work together and help each other to build the tower. I think that this tradition teaches very well how to work as a team. 

If you visit Catalunia you can't miss this show!

The human towers (cat. els castells) competition in Tarragona
I recomend you to see the video "Behold the Human Towers of Catalunia" by Great Big Story which explains many interesting details about the human towers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQM4qbwyxCM


I really would like to know your opinion about this catalan tradition! Please write a comment :)


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Delta de l'Ebre - The kingdom of birds

In Catalunya there are a lot of places where you can relax and forget about all your problems. In my opinion, the most beautiful one is The Ebro Delta. If you need a rest I recommend you to visit this nature  reserve. It's even more interesting for all of you who love observe nature and, above all, birds. The Ebro Delta is one of the largest  wetland  areas in the western Mediterranean region. Is situated  in the  Province of Tarragona.  A large part of the delta is a  natural park  named  Ebro Delta Natural Park (cat.   Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre).  It has 95 breeding species of birds and is also very important for over 300 species of a wide range of transient and overwintering species. The Ebro Delta Park serves as an essential stopover point for large numbers of   migratory   birds and   waterfowl .  When I was there I saw the flock of flamingos for the first time in my life. It was an unforgett...

10 the most beautiful words in Catalan

This year more than 10.000 Catalans have voted for their favourite word in their native language. The voting was organized as a part of the project  Terra de Llengües    (The earth of languages).   Those are the results: Xiuxiuejar  - to whisper Aixopluc  - shelter Caliu  - ash Tendresa  - tenderness Llibertat  - freedom Moixaina  - c aress that is made by passing a hand over a face Amanyagar  - to t reat with love or affectionate sympathy Enraonar  - to talk Ginesta  - plant: s partium junceum; "broom" Atzavara  - plant: agave I think that it was a very interesting initiative and I really would like to know what is your favourite word in your language. Please write a comment ;) http://llengua.gencat.cat/ca/anypompeufabra/agenda/10-paraules-mes-boniques-catala/

Els Reis de l'Orient

In Poland the children get presents on Decembre 6 which brings, depending on the region, Santa Claus or the Star. In Catalunya the children have to wait one month more. On January 6, the Catalan children get up early to look for the gifts that the Kings of the East have left them during the night. The tradition of the Reis de l’Orient begins many days before January 6. Children write letters addressed to Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar asking for what they want.   Before going to sleep, the children leave prepared water for the camels, as well as turrones (the traditional catalan sweets made from almondes and sugar) for the Kings. In the morning, they receive the gifts, or charcoal if they have behaved badly. For the dessert in every Catalan home is served the traditional tortell de Reis – a sponge cake with cream and crystallized fruits.