Ferràn Fabré: soul of a human tower, human towers square by square

For over 25 seasons, Ferran Fabré has experienced the world of castells from the inside. A member of the Castellers de Vilafranca, he has dedicated a significant part of his life to one of Catalonia's most emblematic traditions, sharing the effort, the overcoming of challenges, and the emotions that can only be truly understood within the group.

At femturisme.cat we wanted to talk to him to discover his favorite spots, those places that are part of his memories, and his way of understanding a tradition that, more than a spectacle, is a way of life.

A Catalonia that rises with strength, balance and heart

What is your favorite spot in Catalonia?

Without a doubt, Son del Pi. It's a magical, restorative place. For me, it's almost paradise. If you're lucky enough to climb the bell tower and stay there for a while, time disappears. Before you know it, hours have passed without you even noticing.

Photo: PMRMaeyaert (Pol Mayer), «Alt Àneu, Església de Son del Pi», Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Is there any place in Catalonia that brings back childhood memories?

Burriac Castle. From home in Vilassar de Mar, I could always see it perched atop the mountain. It was our summer excursion, whether planned or spontaneous. We'd even spent a night there, something that wouldn't be possible now that it's much better maintained and turned into a museum.

What Catalan experience or tradition do you think everyone should experience at least once?

There are many: the Patum, the Falles d'Isil, the Santa Tecla de Tarragona... but I prefer the castells.

Because they embody strength, balance, courage, and wisdom. But they also represent joy, nerves, anger, excitement, tenderness, and sadness. A castellers performance is capable of awakening every possible emotion.

If you had to recommend just one thing to someone visiting Catalonia for the first time, what would it be?

If you only have three days, I would tell you to come to the Vilafranca del Penedès Festival.

It's a perfect summary of Catalan popular culture. You'll find spoken dances, traditional dances, giants, devils, dragons, the eagle... and, above all, the Diada de Sant Fèlix, one of the world's great casteller events.

What corner of Catalonia have you yet to discover?

The western part of Catalonia, especially the area around Lleida. It's a part of the country I still don't know much about and that I'm very eager to explore.

Why do you think castells represent the identity of Catalonia so well?

Because they are both level-headed and passionate. They are strength, vitality, perseverance, and hard work. Castells are only achieved through constant effort, through rehearsal after rehearsal. And that, in a way, also defines Catalonia.

Which venue or performance will you always carry in your heart?

The town square of Vilafranca. It's our home. It's where there are always great human towers and where the best groups perform.

And if I had to choose one performance, I'd pick Sant Fèlix in 2013, when the Castellers de Vilafranca completed the 3 out of 10 with folre and manilles for the first time. For many reasons, it's a memory that will always stay with me.

“ Piña de Torre de Ocho, Sant Fèlix 2017 ”, by Castellers Vilafranca, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

After speaking with Ferran, it becomes clear that castells are much more than a tradition. They are a way of understanding the country, of working together, and of celebrating collective successes.

Amidst packed squares, human towers, and childhood memories, her gaze reminds us that Catalonia rises like a castell: with effort, confidence, and many hands forming a cohesive unit. And perhaps that is precisely where its magic lies.