Barcelona's Horta district officially launched its new 'castells' group, Colla Castellera d’Horta, this week. This marks a successful third attempt to establish a human tower tradition in the area.

The group's official presentation took place at the Centre Cívic Matas i Ramis, attracting 180 individuals who committed to the project. Social media outreach by a small group of young people drove this significant community involvement.

Txema Subietas, the acting president, highlighted the importance of this new initiative. He stated, "Horta finally has its own group formed by young people from the neighbourhood committed to 'castells' culture." The group's board will be ratified at an assembly on 29 April.

Building a Community Tradition

Previous efforts to form a 'castells' group in Horta failed in the early 1990s and again in 2019. This new group received guidance from Torre Jussana's association services, adapting statutes from other 'castells' organisations.

The Colla Castellera d’Horta has organised into several commissions. These include teams for marketing and outreach, local management, musicians, and economic affairs.

Funding and Identity

The group's initial funding comes from membership fees, set at 50 euros annually or 30 euros for members under 20 years old. Supporters can also make occasional contributions through the "Friends of the Colla" programme. The group plans to seek subsidies from 2027.

Colla Castellera d’Horta has chosen olive green as its official colour, mirroring the popular pennant of Vila d’Horta. Their symbol features a castle shield with a laurel crown and the Catalan 'senyera' flag in the background. An 'enxaneta', the child who crowns the human tower, will appear at the top of the shield.

Rehearsal Space and Future Plans

The group is actively searching for a provisional rehearsal space to begin training. They are currently in discussions with various neighbourhood associations and are considering local schools. In the medium term, they require a larger venue equipped with a safety net and an attenuated floor.

To join the Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya, the Horta group needs sponsorship from two active 'castells' groups. They aim to debut at Horta's Festa Major this September, planning a 'pilar de 4' (a four-person pillar).

Barcelona's Growing 'Castells' Scene

With the addition of Colla Castellera d’Horta, Barcelona now boasts nine neighbourhood 'castells' groups. The city also has three university groups: Arreplegats de la Zona Universitària (UB), Descargolats de l’EEBE (UPC), and Trempats de la UPF.

The city's 'castells' groups, by founding year, include Castellers de Barcelona (1969), Castellers de Sants (1993), Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia (1997), Castellers del Poble Sec (1999), Castellers de Sarrià (1999), Castellers de la Sagrada Família (2001), Colla Castellera Jove de Barcelona (2010), Colla Castellera de l’Esquerra de l’Eixample (2018), and now Colla Castellera d’Horta (2026).

The establishment of Colla Castellera d’Horta strengthens Barcelona's vibrant 'castells' tradition. This new group promises to bring more cultural activity and community spirit to the Horta district in the coming years.

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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.