What are the 5 levels of castells?

Castell nomenclature

• Pilar (“pillar”): one person per level.
• Torre (“tower”): two people per level.
• Tres : three people per level.
• Quatre : four people per level.
• Cinc : five people per level (and so on)

What is Los castells de Tarragona?

Tarragona celebrates the tradition of the ‘castells’ in spectacular fashion. This popular event involves people creating human towers up to a height of between six and ten tiers.

What is the meaning of Castell?

Catalan: topographic name from Catalan castell ‘castle’, a derivative of Late Latin castellum ‘castle’ (a diminutive of Latin castrum ‘fort’, ‘Roman walled city’). Compare Spanish Castillo and Occitan (southern French) Castel.

When did Los castells start?

Castells were first documented as a cultural form in 1801. They appeared in Tarragona, a rural and religious province of Catalonia. With nineteenth century industrialization, they became a traditional practice, central to popular nationalist celebrations.

What is the top of a castell called?

Depending on the number and distribution of the up to 9 people of a ring, each castell has a name of its own. Climbing to the top of the tower is only allowed for kids, because of their low weight. They form the “pom de dalt”, the tower dome.

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.

How did Els castells start?

The castells have their origins in a traditional folklore dance in the city of Valls. The steps of the dance were accompanied with the flute, as it is still played today during the tower building. At the end of the dance a small human tower was built.

Where does the last name castell come from?

Castell is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a person who worked in a castle. The original bearer of the surname Castell may have held the post of governor or constable of the castle. However, the surname might also be derived from residence near a castle, or from services or rent owed to a castle.