Description
Castellera Encyclopedia. History II: from 1939 to 2016
Book Summary
This second volume of the Castellera Encyclopedia offers an exhaustive and rigorous analysis of the evolution of the castells from the end of the Spanish Civil War to the 2016 season. The work breaks down the different historical stages, from the post-war resumption to the current golden age, and examines the competition between legendary groups, the recovery of iconic constructions, and the consolidation of the discipline as a premier cultural phenomenon. An essential study for anyone interested in understanding the complete trajectory of the casteller tradition.
What is it about?
The book analyzes the history of the castells structured into four key major periods. Firstly, it addresses the resumption of casteller activity after the Civil War and the subsequent stagnation, between 1939 and 1968. Next, it focuses on the recovery of the "folres" (base reinforcements) and the vibrant struggle for supremacy between the Nens del Vendrell and the Colla Vella de Valls, during the years 1969 to 1980. The third section examines the beginning of the Second Golden Age, with the return to the square of the legendary nine-story towers, between 1981 and 1993. Finally, the work describes the stage of excellence that we are currently living, with a clear turning point in the 2 of 9 loaded by the Minyons de Terrassa in 1993. Additionally, the volume includes a detailed study of the different casteller competitions held throughout history.
Main themes
- Historical evolution of the casteller world from 1939 to 2016.
- Analysis of the resumption and stagnation of activity after the Civil War.
- Study of the competition between historic groups and the recovery of "gamma extra" constructions.
- The Second Golden Age and the consolidation of the nine-story towers.
- History and evolution of casteller competitions.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for scholars, enthusiasts, and followers of the casteller world who wish to deepen their historical knowledge. It is also ideal for researchers of Catalan popular culture, specialized journalists, and anyone interested in understanding the social and sporting dynamics that have shaped the casteller phenomenon from the post-war period to the present day.
What this book provides
- A complete and detailed vision of the evolution of the castells over seven decades.
- Precise historical contextualization of each period and its most relevant milestones.
- Analysis of the rivalry between groups and its influence on the progress of the discipline.
- An exclusive study on the history of casteller competitions.
- Rigorous and documented information for consultation and reference.
Technical sheet
- Author: Various Authors
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Encyclopedias and reference works, Popular culture
- Collection: Enciclopèdia Castellera
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: December 2017
- Number of pages: 304
- Weight: 1693 g
Editorial review
This second volume of the Castellera Encyclopedia establishes itself as an essential reference work for anyone who wants to understand the trajectory of the casteller world from the post-war period to the present day. Its structure into clear historical periods and the inclusion of a specific study on the competitions make it a valuable resource for both the researcher and the casual enthusiast. It is a rigorous and well-documented publication that provides a complete and contextualized perspective of a unique cultural phenomenon.