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UNESCO Human Tower Performs at Sentosa

2016-10-20 17:45 3166

SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Catalonia Tourism Board brought 227 people to Singapore to perform the building of the human tower, also known as a "castell". Kicking off the weeklong celebration of Catalan culture, the Minyons de Terrassa, the performing "castellers" (builders of the human tower) put on a spectacular display of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage at Kidzania in Sentosa today.

The Minyons de Terrassa performing a castell in Singapore
The Minyons de Terrassa performing a castell in Singapore

More than 100 people, including media, private attendees and passers-by witnessed the centuries-old tradition in action. The "castell" is built on the idea of individuals coming together to fulfill a greater purpose, and is the ultimate symbol for teamwork in Catalan culture.

The Minyons de Terrassa will be performing for the public at the Customs House Terrace, in Fullerton, tomorrow (Friday, Oct 21) from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Admission is free.

Castells tradition explained

"Castells" is a Catalonian word and literally means "castles". The "castells" are a cultural phenomenon whereby people work together to form human towers, and are particular to Catalonia, Spain. The origins of this Catalan tradition dates back to the 18th century in Valls, Tarragona. It was in the small town of Valls, about 40 km west of Barcelona, where the inhabitants started building the towers. Then, individual groups (colles) started to do so too, and the building of "castells" eventually became a sporting event.

Catalonia in depth

Catalonia, the Spanish area where Barcelona is located in, holds the most interesting traditions, history, gastronomy and landscapes. Due to its architecture and landscapes, this region has drawn the attention of many TV series, for example, Game of Thrones, features the regions of Girona and Tarragona.

With one of the most beautiful coastlines of Europe and breathtaking mountain areas such as the Pyrenees, Catalonia holds everything a Southern European destination can offer.

Foodies would also be pleasantly surprised to know that besides high-end award-winning restaurants, many other small restaurants can serve up some of the best paellas.

There is also an artistic charm about Catalonia, evident from some of its world-renowned artists - Salvador Dali, the surrealist artist and Antoni Gaudi, the architect responsible for the great Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell, the Casa Mila and many others.

For graphic materials https://we.tl/2ojc87pBD9

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161020/8521606717

Source: The Catalonia Tourism Board
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