About In the plazas of Catalonia, a centuries-old tradition continues to defy gravity and unite communities: the castells, or human towers. These awe-inspiring structures—reaching up to ten levels high—are built not with scaffolding or steel, but with the synchronized strength of people climbing atop one another, forming a living monument to balance, teamwork, and daring.
Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010, castells remain a vital part of Catalan cultural identity. While the tradition is practiced across the region, the city of Tarragona holds a special place in its history. Every two years, thousands gather in its grand Tarraco Arena Plaça for the Concurs de Castells, the most prestigious human tower competition in the world.
Teams—called colles—train year-round to perfect their technique, hoping to achieve the elusive tres de deu amb folre i manilles, a ten-level tower requiring extraordinary coordination and courage. In Tarragona, castells are more than a spectacle—they're part of the city’s heartbeat. The tradition is deeply woven into local festivals, schools, and neighborhoods, bringing together people of all ages, from toddlers who climb to the top as the agile enxaneta, to seasoned veterans forming the sturdy base.
The communal spirit behind each tower is a reflection of Catalonia’s resilience and solidarity. At the center of Rambla Nova, Tarragona’s main boulevard, stands a striking tribute to this tradition: a bronze monument capturing a frozen moment of ascent.
Created by artist Francesc Anglès in 1999, the sculpture immortalizes the unity and tension of a castell that has just been crowned. Look closely and you’ll see individual expressions rendered in vivid detail—straining muscles, clasped hands, and upward gazes—each one part of a collective reaching higher, together.
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