Barcelona will host multiple human towers, or castells, performances this weekend, 9 and 10 May. Residents and visitors can witness this vibrant Catalan tradition across several city districts and nearby towns, according to local news outlet betevé.
Saturday's Castells Performances
Saturday, 9 May, features three castells events within Barcelona. The Colla Castellera de l’Esquerra de l’Eixample will perform at 12:00 in the Jardins del Doctor Duran i Reynals, located in the central Eixample district. This event is part of the Clínic Obert! programme at Hospital Clínic.
Later that day, at 18:00, the Plaça d’Osca in Sants will host a performance. This event, a vigil for the Castellers de Sants' anniversary, includes the Castellers de Sants, Castellers d’Esplugues, and the Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges. Simultaneously, the Castellers de Barcelona will present their Spring Parade at 18:00 in Plaça de Can Robacols, Sant Martí.
Sunday's Human Tower Displays
Sunday, 10 May, brings two more castells displays to Barcelona. The Castellers de Sants will celebrate their 33rd anniversary at 11:30 in Plaça de Bonet i Muixí, Sants. They will be joined by the Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls and the Xiquets de Tarragona, promising a significant gathering of human tower groups.
Additionally, the Navas neighbourhood in Sant Andreu will hold its Festa Major. The Castellers de Barcelona and the Colla Castellera Encantats de Begues will perform at 12:00 in Plaça Ferran Reyes as part of these celebrations. Sant Andreu is a large district in the city's north-east.
Beyond Barcelona: Regional Castells
Several Barcelona-based colles, or human tower groups, will also travel outside the city this weekend. On Saturday, 9 May, the Castellers de la Sagrada Família and Castellers del Poble Sec will join the Castellers d’Esparreguera at 12:00 in Plaça del Centre, Esparreguera, for their 32nd anniversary. The Castellers de Sarrià will participate in Terrassa’s Modernist Fair at 18:30 in Carrer Mare de Déu dels Àngels, alongside the Castellers de Cornellà and Minyons de Terrassa.
On Sunday, 10 May, the Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia will perform in Sant Cugat del Vallès. They will join the Castellers de Sabadell and Castellers de Sant Cugat in Plaça d’Octavià at either 11:30 or 12:00 for the Diada de Sant Ponç. These regional events allow more people to experience the tradition.
Understanding Catalan Human Towers
Castells are human towers built by colles in traditional festivals across Catalonia. These structures can reach up to ten storeys high, with participants climbing on each other's shoulders. UNESCO recognised the Catalan human towers as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010. This recognition highlights their cultural importance and the teamwork they require.
Residents and visitors interested in witnessing this unique cultural spectacle should check local listings for any last-minute schedule changes. These events offer a chance to engage with a deep-rooted Catalan tradition.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
