Catalonia's human towers rise as thousands celebrate traditional contest

Thousands of people packed the Tarraco Arena in the Spanish city of Tarragona on Sunday (October 4) for the world's largest human tower competition, marking the 30th edition by showcasing 12 of Catalonia's leading casteller groups.

The competition showcased the teamwork required to build the towering structures, with dozens of castellers forming the base while others climbed toward the top. Spectators cheered as each colourful team completed their towers — and gasped when some came tumbling down.

Julia Cami, 18, a member of Castellers de Valls, said the activity teaches values such as strength and a clear state of mind.

Children remain central to the Catalan tradition, climbing to the very top of the structures to crown each tower. Julia Costa, head of the children's section of Castellers d'Igualada, said young members must feel supported by their group. "Children are the most important part of the casteller tradition," Costa said.

The event also drew international visitors. Abhishek Salavkar, 21, travelled from India to attend, calling it a childhood dream. "It gives me goosebumps," he said.

Human towers, known as castells, were inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.

Camera and Production: Horaci García/Reuters