Editing Castell (section)

==The Castell==
[[File:Pilar de 8 amb folre i manilles.jpg|thumb|Pilar de 8 amb folre i manilles (Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona, 2019)]]
In [[Catalan language|Catalan]], the word ''castell'' literally translates into [[castle]], while in English its meaning is specifically that of a human tower.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Catalunya.com|url=http://www.catalunya.com/castells-1-3-12567?language=en|access-date=2020-10-19|website=www.catalunya.com|archive-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019132625/http://www.catalunya.com/castells-1-3-12567?language=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

A ''castell'' is considered a success when assembly and disassembly can be done in complete succession. The assembly is complete once all ''castellers'' have climbed into their designated places, and the ''enxaneta'' climbs into place at the top and raises one open hand. The ''enxaneta'' then climbs down the other side of the ''castell'', after which the remaining levels of ''castellers'' descend in highest to lowest order until all have reached safety.

Aside from the people who climb to form the upper parts of the tower, others are needed to form the ''pinya'', or bottom base of the ''castell'', to sustain its weight. Members of the ''pinya'' (most often men)<ref>{{cite web |title=Euromaxx on tour: Vilanova i la Geltrú |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,969988,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728173421/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,969988,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-28 |date=August 2009 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |access-date=15 August 2009 }}</ref> also act as a 'safety net' if the tower structure collapses, cushioning the fall of people from the upper levels. It is not uncommon—when not in competitions—for other ''colles'' to assist in the ''pinya'' when a small ''colla'' is attempting a specially demanding structure in terms of people needed.

The ''castell'' is built in two phases. First, the ''pinya''— the base of the tower — is formed. People forming higher levels of the tower move to a position from which they can easily get to their places in the tower. This is done slowly and carefully,<ref>{{cite web |title=Human Tower: The Largest One In History |url=http://www.metacafe.com/watch/254105/human_tower_the_largest_one_in_history/ |date=2006-09-30 |work=castellersdevilafranca.com |access-date=15 August 2009 |archive-date=2007-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125080236/http://www.metacafe.com/watch/254105/human_tower_the_largest_one_in_history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and as subsequent base levels are completed the ''castellers'' in the ''pinya'' determine if their base is solid enough for construction to continue. Then, when the signal to proceed is given, bands begin to play the traditional ''Toc de Castells'' music as a hush comes over spectators of the event. The upper layers of the tower are built as quickly as possible in order to put minimal strain on the lower ''castellers'', who bear most of the weight of the ''castell''. The disassembly of the ''castell'', done amidst the cheering of the crowd, is often the most treacherous stage of the event.

A ''castell'' can also be ''aixecat per sota'' ("raised from below"). In this technique, rather than the lower levels being built first with subsequent layers added on top, the top layers are formed on the ground and then hoisted into the air level by level, with each successive layer being formed underneath. This is regarded as taking a great deal of practice, skill, and strength.