The brave children of Tarragona

1 - We are in Tarragona, a city in Spain. It lies about 80 kilometres south of Barcelona. Thousands of people have gathered in the square in front of the cathedral. 2 - Suddenly, things become lively. Some people climb onto the shoulders of others. They form a circle. Others follow and line up behind them. Then some climb up those standing on the shoulders of the people in the bottom layer. Music plays. 3 - Now you can see children too. They are wearing helmets. They also climb up the pyramid of human bodies. Eventually, the tower of living people is seven or eight storeys high. The two smallest and lightest climb highest. When they reach the top, they raise one arm and immediately begin climbing down.

4 - The pyramid is now quickly dismantled. In some pyramids, several towers are built at the same time. In others, people simply stand on each other’s shoulders. 5 - These pyramids are called castells, or human towers. They have a long tradition in Tarragona and other cities. Human towers are built every year on special feast days. It takes strength, trust in others and, above all, courage. The youngest are the bravest. They are known as “squirrels”.