The art of building 'castells'

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

Looking down from the top of a 'castell' is recommended to fully appreciate its height and the surrounding view.

False (B)

A 'castell' is best described as a static monument, exhibiting no movement or inherent energy.

False (B)

It is uncommon to experience strong emotions during the first 'castell' experience.

False (B)

'Castellers' is a full-time, professional occupation with salaries and contracts.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A speaker attended their first 'festa major' at four years old.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Currently, there are more than 80 'colles' participating in 'castells'.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The feelings of one individual have no effect on the other participants.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Only experienced athletes participate in 'castells'.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

During the construction of 'castells', injuries are rare.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Differing opinions and disagreements are not allowed within 'colles'.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Castells

Human towers built in Catalonia, symbolizing unity and shared effort.

Castellers

Non-professional participants in castells, dedicating time and effort to the tradition.

Festa Major

A major festival where castells are often performed.

Colla

A team of castellers working together to build a castell.

Signup and view all the flashcards

L'aixaneta

The child who climbs to the top of the castell.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pisos (Floors)

Each level of a castell requires careful coordination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Building Castells

Building castells requires respect, training, teamwork, and passion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Castell Bond

Participants feel a strong emotional connection, sharing objectives and camaraderie.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Definition of Castells

The union of effort from diverse people of all social levels to achieve a common goal

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Looking down from the top of a "castell" (human tower) is not advised to avoid fear.
Approaching a "castell" is like approaching a beating heart, highlighting its living characteristics.
A "castell" is a living structure that moves with its own inertia.
Participants move with the "castell".
One speaker felt very emotional during their first "castell" casting.
A speaker who came to Catalonia in 1957 was impressed by a "castellers" performance his cousin took him to see.
He decided to participate in making a "castell.".
"Castellers" are not professionals.
One speaker dedicated over 20 years to "castells," considering it a way of life.
Another speaker recalls attending their first "festa major" (major festival) at four months old.
They have photos in the square and now see their "colla" (team) more than their mother.
A 10-year-old speaker plays "l'aixaneta" in the "castell," raising their hand at the top, and started at seven years old.
An 11-year-old speaker always looks for places suitable for building "castells".
When the speaker began participating at "castells", there were about 78 "colles", now there are almost 70.
One person's passion is reflected in everyone else.
Shared objectives create a strong bond between the people and the "castell".
A "castell" requires much effort but lasts a short time.
A "castell" of ten floors ("pisos") involves many people.
"Castells" bring people from throughout society together.
Participants come from all levels of society and ages and include doctors, carpenters, and bricklayers.
When at the top, the speaker feels as if they are flying before landing.
"Castells" are dangerous, and injuries are common.
"Castells" must be respected due to their height and difficulty.
Children and adults feel fear.
One speaker often visits children in the hospital.
Building "castells" requires passion because falling is normal.
People cry with joy and emotion due to the intensity of "castells".
Life evolves, and the limits of human potential are unknown.
It is believed that with training and preparation, an 11-floor "castell" could be achieved.
"Castells" is the union of effort from diverse people of all social levels to achieve a common goal.
Participants create a large family.
Disagreements and differing opinions may arise, but they stay within the group.
Opinions are respected, and this is how the school of integration functions.