Successful day with no falls or incidents

The 2026 Diada Castellera de la Mercè took place on Thursday in Barcelona’s Plaça de Sant Jaume, bringing together major local casteller groups in a smooth and celebratory event. Castellers de Sants completed their famed 'tripleta màgica' (a 4 of 8, 3 of 9 with folre, and 2 of 9), while Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia successfully dismantled a 7 of 8, a pillar of 6, and a 2 of 8. Castellers de Barcelona made two dismantled attempts at a 3 of 9 with folre. No falls or injuries were reported during the day, in line with tradition as teams built and dismantled structures simultaneously.

New safety helmets trialled for children

Ahead of the main event, casteller groups formed pillars in Plaça Reial to debut a new helmet and the first facial protector for children, developed jointly by the Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya (CCCC), NZI, and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. The facial protector covers the upper third of the face, including the forehead, eyebrows, nasal bridge, and cheekbones, an area previously vulnerable during falls. The new helmet will be introduced gradually. The current model, in use since 2006, remains effective and will continue in parallel during the transition, as it has prevented any cranioencephalic injuries with long-term consequences since its introduction.

The facial protector corrects a previously exposed area and could prevent rare but serious facial injuries, especially among young castellers.

Other performances and next events

Other standout performances included a 4 of 8 by Colla Jove de Barcelona, a 7 of 7 by Sagrada Família, a 3 of 7 with a needle by Poble-sec, a 5 of 7 by Sarrià, and a 5 of 7 by Esquerdats Colla Castellera de l'Esquerra de l'Eixample. The festivities began after the traditional Gigantes and Àliga de la Ciutat dances. Next Sunday, the historic Diada Castellera will take place at the same location, featuring Castellers de Barcelona alongside invited groups Minyons de Terrassa and Joves Xiquets de Valls.

Reported by Nació Digital.