TIP: Click the Video tab to see this activity in action
A castell is a human tower, built traditionally at festivals in Catalonia. At these festivals teams are judged on the completed height (number of human tiers). And in the orderly building and dismantling of the tower's structure.
Age
where as the Castellers forming the base and lower levels of the tower are chosen for strength. The topmost casteller is invariably a child.
Ability
The motto of Castellers sums up the nessasary skills of a Casteller, Strength, balance, courage and common sense.
Description
A castell is considered a success when all stages of its assembling and disassembling, can be done in uninterupted succession. The assembly is complete once all castellers have climbed into their designated places, and the top most climber is in place and raises one hand with four fingers erect. He then climbs down the opposite side of the castell, after which the remaining levels of castellers descend in highest-to-lowest order until all have reached safety.
Dedication
The castell is built in two phases. Firstly the the base of the tower is formed, while people due to form the higher levels of the tower move into a position from which they can easily get to their place in the tower. This is done slowly and carefully. When the base levels are completed and judged to be solid enough for construction to continue. A signal to proceed is given, bands begin to play the traditional music as a hush comes over spectators of the event. The upper layers of the tower are built as quickly as possible in order to put minimal strain on the lower castellers, who bear most of the weight of the castell. The disassembly of the castell, is done to a cheering crowd, and is potentialy the most treacherous stage of the event.
Closely
Related Activities
Govinda also known as Dahi Handi 1240,
Cost
castell is an activity which requires many hours of practice, but has no costs associated with it.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.