“Castells”: Alive with Culture

The new exhibition at the Palau Robert "Castells and castellers. Intangible World Heritage" pays homage to the "castells" as a symbol of Catalunya and a unique European treasure.

Surely you too have wondered what the “enxaneta” feels when crowning a castell. When they raise their hand, six—or even ten—stories in the air. Are they nervous? Are they tense? I’m sure they are. And all mixed with great excitement and satisfaction. The same that all the members of the “colla” feel: those in the “pinya”, the “tronc”, the “pom de dalt” or, if they’ve got them, the “folre i manilles”.

They ultimately form the “castells”, a cultural tradition more than 200 years old which is still alive today. It has become one of the most important cultural events in Europe and a symbol for Catalunya.

Coinciding with the first anniversary of its being on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Palau Robert has set up in its gardens until March 16th the photo exhibition “Castells and castellers. Intangible World Heritage“.

The exhibition, which brings together a selection of photographs from the book “Castells i castellers. Una voluntat col·lectiva” edited by Lunwerg, honours individuals and groups that have made the “castells” one of the cultural treasures of Catalunya and of humanity. A treasure that must be both preserved and admired.

Visiting the exhibition may give us a better idea of what the “enxaneta” feels in their quest for the heights. Maybe his face shows pride. Or maybe it shows doubt… Why not judge for yourselves?

 

“Castells i castellers. Intangible World Heritage”
Gardens of the Palau Robert / Passeig de Gràcia, 107
From November 17th to March 16th