In pictures: Tarragona's death-defying human tower competition returns

In pictures: Tarragona's death-defying human tower competition returns

Emotions were high as the heart-pounding tradition of building human towers made a return to Tarragona, Spain, where thousands of spellbound spectators gathered for the city's biennial competition.

Over 40 'colles' (teams) gathered in the historic Tarraco Arena Plaça, a former bullfighting ring, to take part in the event, now in its 29th edition since first debuting in 1932.

Jaw-dropping photos capture the sea of people watching on as hundreds of brave participants rose higher and higher in their 'castells'.

Here are some of the most stunning images from the event:

Members of "Vella de Valls" react after completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Vella de Valls" react after completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Members of "Castellers de Sant Cugat" react after successfully completing their "Castell", during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Castellers de Sant Cugat" react after successfully completing their "Castell", during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Members of "Castellers de la Vila de Gracia" complete their "Castell" during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Castellers de la Vila de Gracia" complete their "Castell" during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: AP Photo
Members of "Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls" form a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls" form a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
The torn shirt of an assistant is photographed after completing a "Castellers" or human tower during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
The torn shirt of an assistant is photographed after completing a "Castellers" or human tower during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Members of "Colla Jove de Tarragona" fall before completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Colla Jove de Tarragona" fall before completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Members of "Colla Jove de Tarragona" form a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Colla Jove de Tarragona" form a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: AP Photo
Juan Antonio Rodriguez, 72, reacts after performing with the "Castellers de Vilafranca" as they complete a human tower at the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain.
Juan Antonio Rodriguez, 72, reacts after performing with the "Castellers de Vilafranca" as they complete a human tower at the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Members of "Vella de Valls" celebrate after completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Members of "Vella de Valls" celebrate after completing a "Castell" or human tower, during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: AP Photo
Assistants react as members of "Castellers de Vilafranca" try to form a "Castell" during the 29th Human Tower Competition
Assistants react as members of "Castellers de Vilafranca" try to form a "Castell" during the 29th Human Tower Competition - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo
Valeria, 11, reacts after climbing to the top of a "castell" or human tower during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain
Valeria, 11, reacts after climbing to the top of a "castell" or human tower during the 29th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain - Credit: Emilio Morenatti/AP Photo