Ep 7. Human Towers

Explorer is a documentary series that aims to uncover the mysteries of our planet, particularly those related to wildlife, nature, and different human cultures. In season 11, episode 7, titled "Human Towers", the show takes us on an exciting journey to Spain to explore the world of Castells, a traditional Catalan sport that involves building impressive human towers, sometimes exceeding 10 stories in height.

The episode starts with a brief history of Castells, providing its origin and how it has evolved over time. It then dives into the intricate details of building Castells, beginning with the role of the Colla, the team responsible for constructing these extraordinary human towers. The Colla is comprised of several layers of people, each with a specific role to play in the tower’s construction and stability. The base layer has the heaviest and strongest men and women, while those in the upper tiers are lighter and more agile. Each person has to move in perfect synchronization to ensure balance and stability throughout the building process.

We meet several members of the Colla, including their leader, who share their experiences and the emotions of participating in this traditional Spanish sport. The Colla operates as a close-knit community, and it is evident that teamwork is the most critical aspect when constructing these titanic towers. They spend several months training and preparing for performances, building camaraderie, and developing trust in each other. We see them practicing their movements and performing exercises to strengthen their bodies and reflexes. The preparation of Castells is almost as spectacular to watch as the final product.

We also get to learn about the scoring system for Castells, which is determined based on the height, complexity, and stability of the tower. The scoring method used runs on a 10-point system, with the maximum score standing at 9.8. We witness the dedication put into each Castell as the Colla puts in tremendous effort to get a perfect score.

Throughout the episode, we hear from some of the most prominent Castellers in modern times, including Renowned casts such as the Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls, who have been performing for over 200 years. We also learn about the significant competition culture surrounding the sport in Spain and the healthy rivalry between different Catalan cities that contributes to the fame of Castells.

One of the highlights of the episode is when the Colla performs their Castells at festivals. We see thousands of people gathered, cheering on as the tower progresses higher and higher into the sky. The towers arrive on trucks, and the Colla gets off and forms a procession, dressed in traditional clothing, holding their country's flag. The excitement and energy in the atmosphere are palpable, and we can see how much pride the Catalan people have in their traditions and culture.

The episode also covers the risks involved in the sport, as it is undoubtedly challenging to build and balance a tower of people. The risks and dangers in Castell building include falls, injuries from heavier persons on top falling, and even deaths at times. Despite this, the enthusiasm and thrill of the sport are evident in the eyes of the participants, who appear to enjoy every moment of the performance.

“Human Towers” provides a captivating insight into a unique Spanish tradition that has continued for generations and has piqued global interest in recent years. The documentary showcases the strength, skill, and team spirit displayed by the Colla and the Catalan people, making the episode both engaging and enthralling. It’s an excellent introduction to the world of Castell building for viewers unfamiliar with the sport, and an interesting perception into the unique beauty, power, and nostalgia of Castells.