CASTELLERS

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• CASTELLERS

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• "Castells" is a Catalan word that means human
  being castles- they are a cultural phenomenon
  particular in Catalonia and consist of putting up
  human towers. This tradition began at the end of
  the 18th century in Valls, Tarragona, when rival
  groups of people called "colles", began to make
  different kinds of human towers and the best one
  gained a good reputation.There are three
  definite parts in a castle

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La Pinya (Base)

• The "pinya" or base of the castle is the part of
  the castle that requires the greatest number of
  people because it has to ensure the vertical
  erected structure's stability. Everybody has a
  clearly defined and important part to play and a
  particular name and specific function for each
  position. In the event of the castle falling
  down, the pinya acts as a shock absorber and
  therefore the falls are usually not hazardous.

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El Tronc (The Trunk)

• The Trunk is the centre part of the castle
  between the crown ("pom de dalt") the highest
  part and the base ("pinya") which holds it up.
  According to its structure and the number of
  storeys it contains each castle has a different
  name. Strength and balance are combined by the
  trunk members to raise the structure as high as
  possible .Each storey has a different name to
  describe it.

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El Pom de dalt (Crown of the castle)

• El Pom de dalt (Crown of the castle) The crown of
  the castle is made up of the last three storeys
  of the castle" (excepting the pillars). In every
  case the "anxaneta" (small boy or girl) crowns
  the structure above the "aixecador",(the raiser)
  and both these two children are supported by one
  or two pairs of "dosos" (couples). The crown of
  the castle is generally made up of very young
  boys and girls, because they are light and agile
  making them ideal for these positions. But
  really, the great protagonist of the
  constructions the "anxaneta" as he or she is
  ultimately responsible for the success of the
  castle and all its members