The Concurs de Castells is held every two years and the capacity of the Tarraco Arena Plaça is limited, but fortunately there are many more opportunities to see 'castells' live. In fact, every year, around 800 'castells' performances take place in Catalonia, especially from April to October, and generally on weekends. Here, you will find information about the 'diades castelleres' that are held in the city of Tarragona and here, the general agenda of diades throughout the country.
The 'castells' celebrations are held in the squares and streets of the towns and villages, often due to the local main festivity. Generally, more than one 'colla' takes parts in them and they alternate in the construction of the 'castells' over three rounds, with the possibility of repetitions if any castell that is not fully completed. The day ends with the raising of the farewell 'pilars'.
The 'colles' are differentiated by the colour of the shirt and badge, while all the 'castellers' share white trousers and a black sash. The kerchief, red with white dots, completes the traditional casteller clothing.
The 'castells' rise to the rhythm of the music ─the known as 'toc de castells'– performed with gralles and drums. The music serves so that the people who are part of the 'castell' have information about its performance. The music accompanies the construction of the 'castell’s' first floors all the way until the 'enxaneta' crowns it by raising his hand ('carregar el castell') and then disassembles it entirely (descarregar). However, sometimes the 'castells' fall (around 3%). If the 'castell' falls after being fully loaded, it is considered valid, but with a lower value than if it had been fully unloaded. Also, a 'castell' can be undone before going too far if problems are detected, precisely to avoid a possible fall.
If you attend a 'castells' celebration, you should keep in mind that they can last two or more hours. Therefore, take precautions against heat and sun, especially during the summer. You should also know that once the 'castell' starts (when the music plays) there is no longer applause until the moment of the aleta; that is, when the 'enxaneta' raises his hand, and then, with the final execution.
Finally, you will see that members of other 'colles', or even people from the public, often collaborate in the 'pinyes' or base. You can do that too, but first you need to talk to the 'castellers', so they can give you a minimum of safety instructions and place you appropriately. We guarantee that the experience will be exciting, but the most important thing is that you enjoy it with all the safety guarantees.
In this sense, it is important to highlight that the 'castells' built in a performance are the result of many hours of rehearsal. Groups generally do two or more rehearsals per week. Rehearsals take place at night, at the colles’ headquarters, and sometimes it is possible to visit them, either with an organized and guided tour or simply by approaching them.
