The annual Tarragona human tower competition – in pictures

Members of the Castellers de Vilafranca colla complete their human tower during the 24th annual Tarragona Castells competition. The 'Castellers' who build the human towers compete in groups, known as 'colles', at local festivals in the hope of erecting the highest and most complex human tower. The Catalan tradition is believed to have originated from human pyramids built at the end of the 18th century by dance groups Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

Member of the Castellers de Lleida prepare. Up to 250 people make up the colla, the majority of the forming the base Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

The Capgrossos de Mataro begin with a human foundation before constructing their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

The Jove de Tarragona castellers crowd in to support their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

The Castellers de Vilafranca begin their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

Smaller members of the Caprogossos de Mataro Colla climb to the top of their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

A young member of the Vila de Gracia group makes her way to the top of the human tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

A young member of the Vella de Valls descends after successfully completing their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

The Vella de Valls celebrate after building their tower Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images