Few acts of human endeavour are as impressive and indeed moving as that performed by Catalan Castellers (Castle builders).
The performance involves a large group of able-bodied men building a human tower. The base, which can draw on helpers if needed, is formed in a so-called Pinya, a relatively large ring which carries the weight of layers above and both stabilises the load and acts as a security net. Additional layers-known as the tronc (Catalan for tree trunk) vary in numbers and according to how many are involved, but the pinnacle has a young boy-the anxenta- performing an extraordinary balancing act which in turn depends on the strength and coordination of those beneath him. Dismantling the human castle involves as much skill, patience, and motivated team work as mounting it- but it is the building of it, that the true achievement lies.
The castells have origins in a traditional folk dance dating back to the 18th century when the first human tower was built by the inhabitants of Valls, about 40 kms west of Barcelona and soon developed into a competitive sporting event.
This past weekend groups of castellers performed in various European capitals including London as part of a campaign organised by the Catalan nationalist to draw attention to the proposed plans to hold a referendum on November 9th to vote yes or no to independence.
They provided a striking image of Catalan cultural identity based on human solidarity but also with a strong political underpinning as was evident from the independent Catalunya flags waved in their vicinity.
Such acts serve as a reminder that the push for a referendum on independence in Catalunya is one of the main challenges facing the Spanish prince when he succeeds his father as King Felipe V1 on June 19th.
Until now Madrid and Barcelona has seemed hurtling towards collision, with the centre right PP government and the main opposition socialist party, with the support of the judiciary, both declaring the holding of a referendum as unconstitutional and illegal.
The consequences of the referendum going ahead and further move towards a declaration of independence could well leave the central government with no option but to impose a form of direct rule, which would risk huge political and social unrest.
The new King however could use the opportunity of the beginning of a new reign as head of state to forge a consensus around a necessary reform of the constitution, giving Catalunya more control over its finances while recognising its singular cultural and political identity within a federalised Spain. This an urgent and necessary human castle that needs to be built, and it needs to embrace all Spaniards- Catalans included. Without it an increasing number of Catalans will vote with their feet-and to break with Spain, convinced that they can build a better country of their own.
