Voice of Head of group “It’s more than just a passion. It is a way of life. In Catalonia, they say that building towers is like building a country.” Jaume Rovira Vaqués, President of the Xicots de Vilafranca “It is very important to stay concentrated. If a foot moves, or a hand slip, everything can collapse” In Catalonia’s Castel competitions, Hundreds can form the base of a human pyramid, which sometime soars 8 or 9 climbers high. Judges compare not just height, but also complexity. Emotions run as high as the small children who climb to the top. (nat pop) But the passion is even more pointed this weekend in Vilafranca del Pinedès. Its days before Catalonia’s CONTROVERSIAL referendum on November 9th, on whether to split from Spain. Aina Mallol, Head of the group “The human towers are another force to help us affirm our identity. There is a tradition and will to unit for the common good, just like what is happening with the vote for independence” In June, Castels were built in several european capitals to draw attention to the independence drive. (show youtube clips - ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOrxv__ERTM or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRrdMIxf3KE or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTXTLLvEszg) xxxxxxxx BUt despite the politics, for most, the towers are still more about teamwork, passion, and, (natpop) often, the after party. Manuel Gonzalez Head of group “We are capable of uniting people that are academics, we have a historian in our group, lawyers, architects or salespeople like me.” nat pop By the end of the weekend, the exhibition teams, had celebrated some success,(natpop), as well as some startling setbacks (natpop of the fall). But for many, its all about the spirit. Aina Mallol, Head of the group “Strength, courage, balance and common sense, are four adjective that define us. The towers are for me the best example of people working together.”