Description
HEALTH AND SOCIAL STRATEGIES IN THE CASTELLER WORLD
Book Summary
This volume collects the presentations and debates from the XII Casteller Symposium of Catalonia, held in Valls in October 2024. The reader will find an in-depth analysis of two fundamental pillars for the present and future of the casteller world: the comprehensive preparation of the castellers, ranging from physical condition to nutrition and mental strength, and the social strategies to revitalize the colles, attract new members, and retain existing ones in a post-pandemic context. A reference work for understanding the current challenges of this tradition.
What is it about?
The book is structured around the inaugural lecture, titled "The chemistry of the castells," and two major thematic blocks developed in round tables. The first, "Mens sana in corpore sano," addresses the integral preparation of the casteller, exploring the limits of physical conditions for facing a castell, the importance of mental preparation, and nutritional guidelines both before and during performances. The second block, "Pre-pandemic and post-pandemic strategies for activating social areas," focuses on the debate on how to stimulate the internal involvement of colla members, attract new members, and foster their loyalty. It also reflects on the search for options among other amateur groups with which the casteller world shares a high level of commitment.
Main Topics
- Physical and mental preparation in the casteller field.
- Nutrition and diet applied to casteller practice.
- Strategies for recruitment and retention of members in casteller colles.
- Management of involvement and commitment in amateur organizations.
- Analysis of the social evolution of the casteller world before and after the pandemic.
- Comparison with other highly committed amateur groups.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at castellers from all colles, managers and heads of social and sports areas, as well as researchers and scholars of Catalan popular culture. It will also be of interest to managers of amateur entities and associations looking for strategies to strengthen the cohesion and growth of their groups.
What this book offers
- A multidisciplinary vision of the integral preparation of the casteller, combining physical, mental, and nutritional aspects.
- Practical and proven strategies for improving the recruitment and retention of members in the colles.
- Reflections on the adaptation of the casteller world to current social challenges, especially after the pandemic.
- A comparative analysis with other amateur groups that allows for cross-disciplinary learning.
- Updated, first-hand content from a benchmark symposium in the sector.
Technical Data
- Author: Various Authors
- Publisher: Cossetània
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Popular culture
- Collection: L'Aixecador
- Publication date: October 2025
- Number of pages: 120
- Weight: 210 g
Editorial Review
This is a necessary work for the casteller world, addressing the organizational and human challenges of the colles with rigor and current relevance. The combination of the physical and mental aspects with social management offers a complete and practical approach. It is a valuable reference material for both management teams and any casteller interested in the evolution and sustainability of this tradition.