Description
Castellera Encyclopedia. Anthropology and Sociology
Book Summary
This fourth volume of the Enciclopèdia Castellera offers an in-depth analysis of castells from a sociological and anthropological perspective. The work examines the habitual activity of the colles (casteller groups), their internal functioning and communication, as well as the calendar and types of diada (performance events). Furthermore, it includes theoretical reflections on the civic and cultural dimension of the castells, media influence, the success of the modern casteller model, and rites of passage. A final section compiles profiles of current and defunct colles, as well as the historical trajectory of the Valls-based groups.
What is it about?
The work is structured into two main parts. The first focuses on standard casteller practice: it describes the activity and functioning of the colles, including their communication strategies, and analyzes the performance calendar and different types of diada. The second part offers theoretical reflections that address the civic and cultural dimension of the castells, exploring the influence of media discourse on their perception, the keys to the success of the modern casteller model, the rites of passage that mark the journey of the castellers, and the tension between viewing the activity as a festival or a traditional sport. Finally, the volume includes a set of charts and profiles that provide detailed information on current colles, defunct ones, and the historical trajectory of the groups from the Vallès region.
Main Themes
- Internal functioning and organization of casteller colles.
- Calendar and typology of casteller diadas.
- Civic and cultural dimension of castells as a social phenomenon.
- Influence of media discourse on the perception of castells.
- Rites of passage and personal trajectory within the casteller world.
- Analysis of the success of the modern casteller model.
- Historical and current catalog of casteller colles.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at researchers, sociologists, anthropologists, and scholars of popular culture interested in the academic analysis of the casteller phenomenon. It is also an essential reference work for castellers, enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to deeply understand the organization, social significance, and historical evolution of castells.
What this book provides
- A rigorous and structured analysis of the sociological and anthropological aspects of the castells.
- A detailed view of the internal functioning of the colles and communication within them.
- Theoretical reflections that contextualize the castells within the framework of contemporary popular culture.
- An exhaustive catalog of current and defunct colles, with their historical trajectory.
- An indispensable reference tool for understanding the social complexity of the casteller world.
Technical Sheet
- Author: Various authors
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Encyclopedias and reference works, Popular culture, Sociology, Anthropology
- Collection: Enciclopedia Castellera
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: July 2019
- Number of pages: 304
- Weight: 1282 g
Editorial Review
This fourth volume of the Enciclopèdia Castellera presents itself as an essential reference work for the academic study of the casteller phenomenon. Its dual approach, combining practical analysis of the functioning of the colles with profound theoretical reflections, offers a complete and nuanced view. The inclusion of a historical and current catalog of colles adds significant documentary value. It is recommended reading for those who seek to go beyond mere observation and wish to understand the social, cultural, and anthropological dynamics that underpin this tradition.