Photos: Human-Tower Season
As autumn approaches in Spain, teams at festivals and competitions can be found forming spectacular human towers ( castells ) up to nine levels tall. The Catalan tradition is believed to have originated among local dance groups at the end of the 18th century.
On October 4, 2026, participants in the 30th Concours de Castells competition gathered in Tarragona, Spain to build human towers. The event kicked off the La Mercè festival, a major celebration in Barcelona.
Members of the Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls and Castellers de Vilafranca began constructing their towers. However, not all attempts were successful; the team from Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls experienced a fall while building their structure.
Recovery was swift for those who fell. Members of the colla Moixiganguers d'Igualada quickly gathered to support their teammates. Despite the setbacks, the competition continued on October 3, when the second day of the Tarragona human-tower competition took place.
As the final day of the 30th castells competition approached, more teams took to the challenge. Castellers de Vilafranca emerged triumphant, celebrating their accomplishment. Throughout the festival, safety remained a priority; children participating in the towers were required to wear helmets and safety glasses. The La Mercè festival saw numerous towers formed and celebrated across Barcelona.
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