Castelling in Catalonia

In Catalonia, Spain, there is a rare breed of athlete participating in a serious competition with potentially fatal consequences. Teams of dozens, even scores of young Catalonians carry on this dangerous sport with remarkable bravery in the face of treacherous calamity.

The sport? Castelling. The objective? To make tallest tower of humans without incurring grievous bodily harm. The people towers of Catalonia are the castells themselves. The Catalonians can be arranged in any way the leader or cap de colla sees fit. It is also up to the leader to determine what castells–from one person per level pilars to five person per level affairs–from the ground, walking around the base or pinya of the castel like a stone mason watching a building being erected.

Castelling has been going on in Catalonia since the end of the 18th century with very few reported fatalities. Falling is uncommon and the spectators closest to the castel provide a base of support for the structure as well as a safety net should anyone tumble.

Interested in taking part in this festive lunacy? Rent a vacation home in Navata and practice every day. If you’re small enough, you may work your way up to the top–literally!