Throwback to Castellers, a 200 old tradition celebrated in Spain

AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

The Catalonia region in north-eastern Spain has a 200 year old tradition of building the tallest and most complex human tower known as ‘Castels’! Tens, hundreds or even thousands of courageous and thrill-seeking people climb and support each other to ascend insane heights that can reach 10 storeys! The age old yet youthful culture constitutes multiple competitive teams of Castellers (humans) known as Colles whose primary goal is to successfully build and deconstruct their towers without fail.

Janmashtami, a festival in India that hugely resembles Spain’s Castellers tradition, is celebrated today where groups of people form human pyramids to reach and break earthen pots suspended at a height.

AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

Similar traditions in Spain and India is a beautiful illustration of how in a large world characterized by diversity, the feeling of oneness, celebration and culture is what unites humans across different continents.

Our supporters in Spain have been the foundation of the work that happens in Mumbai Smiles; and have over the years given their valuable time by visiting project sites and interacting with our field staff and beneficiaries.

Our Spanish donors will always remain close to our hearts, and we thank everyone who has been an integral part of Mumbai Smiles.

Getty Images/David Ramos