The Catalan tradition of “castells”, or human towers, arrives at the Blue Market Square in Bermondsey this Saturday (March 21), writes Pablo Munoz…
This extraordinary feat, part of a Catalan tradition, comes as this group from Bermondsey prepared to take part in a festival in northern Spain where the world’s largest human tower shows are on display.
Visitors to the market square on Southwark Park Road this Saturday will be able to watch live tower-building rehearsals by Castellers of London and even take part in a beginner climbing workshop all for free.
During the event between 12noon and 3pm visitors can also enjoy authentic Catalan food
Sixty members of Castellers of London, which are based in Bermondsey , are preparing to participate in the Concurs de Castells in Tarragona, in Northeastern Spain—the largest human tower show in the world, held every two years—attendees on Saturday will see ambitious new towers being rehearsed.
The show will take place on the day of their annual “Calçotada”, which is a feast of barbecued calçots—a more refined sort of leek served with romesco sauce, a purée of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Calçots are traditionally eaten with the hands while wearing a bib.
A spokesperson said: “The event offers a rare opportunity to experience a 200-year-old community tradition centred on teamwork, inclusion, and participation for all ages.”
Castells were recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. The practice requires collective strength, coordination, and equilibrium, with some towers reaching 12 tonnes in weight and nearly 20 metres in height.
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The Castellers of London is a group founded in 2015 in Bermondsey with the objective of promoting the tradition of castells in the London area. Many of its members are from Catalonia, and the group is currently focused on building towers six levels tall—which is approximately the height of two double-decker buses stacked together.
The group holds rehearsals every Sunday and Wednesday and attracts a variety of people, young and old, of various nationalities.
For more information on the group and the event, click the link below:
