Castells (2)

Putting on the sash, Banyoles (Catalonia)

“The sash (faixa) is the most important part of their outfit, since it supports the lower back and is used by other castellers in the team as a foothold or handhold when climbing up the tower.

This tasselled piece of cloth varies in length and width and depends on the casteller’s position inside the tower and also on choice. The length of the sash ranges from 1.5 to 12 m and usually is shorter for those higher up in the castell.

Performing castellers usually go barefoot as to minimise injuries upon each other as they climb to their positions and also for sensitivity when balancing and to have better feel and hold each other. ” (Wikipedia)

Manaies (1)

Maniple of Manaies, Banyoles (Catalonia)

In Banyoles every Friday before Palm Sunday the procession of Mare de Déu dels Dolors takes place headed by a unit of Roman soldiers. This tradition is at least 150 years old.

As explained on my blog Catalan Women this year for the first time women can take part in the parade too.

As I took a lot of photos, I would like to share some of them with you the next few days.