Experience the excitement of the castells and the casteller groups in Catalonia 2026

Castells are one of the quintessential traditions of Catalan culture, hundreds of people united to defy gravity and perched atop one another to create structures that have reached up to ten stories high. The small figures at the top of the structure, raised by raising their hands, are the iconic symbol of castells, but the strength, balance, courage, and composure behind this gesture have allowed this centuries-old tradition to endure and still give goosebumps to its spectators.

To better understand the world of castellers, it's important to know that this activity dates back to the early 19th century and originated in the festive dances of the peasants in southern Catalonia, which culminated in small human towers. It is believed that the competition to build the tallest of these towers led to the development of what we know today as human castles.

The structures are counted according to their width (the number of people on each level) and height (the number of people stacked on top of each other), taking into account that the base (the pineapple) and the children who only climb on top (the padding and the perch) count as separate levels. When a group builds a six-story castle, it is considered that they have reached a sufficient level to perform in the town square, and the best groups build structures of up to nine and, on occasion, ten stories.

The Castellera season 2026

In Catalonia, there are several casteller festivals that are considered important due to their technical level, tradition, and popularity.

Castle festival of Santa Eulalia in Barcelona

It is a day that begins before the casteller season, coinciding with the festival of Santa Eulalia of Barcelona, and this year it is celebrated on February 12, 2026.

Sant Jordi castle festivities

For Sant Jordi, different casteller celebrations are held in Catalonia; thus, groups from municipalities such as Tarragona, Reus, Terrassa or Vilanova i la Geltrú will perform casteller performances during Sant Jordi's day.

Terrassa's main festival

The first Sunday after Saint Peter's Day (June 29th) is the Festa Major (main festival) of Terrassa. This year it falls on July 5th, 2026. During the festivities, the Minyons de Terrassa (a local group) builds extremely difficult human towers. The Castellers de Terrassa (another local group) also perform, along with a third invited group.

Feast of the Saints of Mataró

The Diada Castellera de las Santas de Mataró is one of the most important and renowned events held in Mataró. This day takes place as part of the Santas festivities, celebrated on the penultimate Sunday of July, in honor of the city's patron saints, Saint Juliana and Saint Semproniana. This year it will be celebrated on July 27, 2026.

Sant Magí castle festival in Tarragona

The Sant Magí Castellers Day is a very important festival celebrated in Tarragona in honor of Sant Magí, the city's patron saint. This day takes place on August 19, 2026, during the Sant Magí festivities.

Sant Fèlix castle festival in Vilafranca

It is one of the most important and oldest festivals in Catalonia. It will be held on August 30, 2026, in Vilafranca del Penedès. The four best groups from the previous season participate, and it is known for its competitiveness and spectacular nature.

Castle festival of Santa Tecla in Tarragona

It takes place in Tarragona on September 23, 2026, as part of the Santa Tecla festivities. It's a massive event with the participation of numerous casteller groups.

Castle festival of the Mercadal in Reus

The Castells Festival of the Mercadal Festival is celebrated on the first Saturday of October, but be aware, only in odd-numbered years; therefore, the next event will be in 2027, coinciding with the city's main festivities. The casteller groups gather in the Mercadal, one of Reus 's most emblematic squares, and a particularly suitable location for the activity, as its size and design allow for the accommodation of a large number of castellers and spectators.

Castle festival of Santa Úrsula in Valls

This day is celebrated on October 25, 2026, in Valls. It is one of the oldest and most prominent festivals and is part of the city's main festival. It is notable for the presence of eight-tiered human towers, which are the tallest and most complex.

Castle festival of San Narciso de Girona

The Feast of Saint Narcissus is celebrated on the third or fourth Sunday of October. This year it takes place on October 25, 2026, in Girona, during the city's main festival. It is one of the most important festivals in northern Catalonia and brings together several casteller groups from the region.

Castle festival of All Saints of Vilafranca del Penedès

The Castellers de Vilafranca del Penedès festival takes place on All Saints' Day, and will be held on November 1, 2026, in the Plaza de la Vila. On this day, the Castellers de Vilafranca and three other invited groups will perform.

Castle festival of the Minyons of Terrassa 2026

Coinciding with the third Sunday of November, at the end of the season, the Minyons de Terrassa, in their mauve shirts, celebrate their festival along with two other guest groups. This year it will be celebrated on November 22, 2026.

It should be noted that there are many other important castellers days in Catalonia; the castellers culture is deeply rooted in Catalan society and days are celebrated throughout the territory.

Experience the magic and excitement of castells live with the castellers festivals and gatherings held throughout Catalonia.