The Colla Castellera de l'Esquerra de l'Eixample in Barcelona achieved their best performance to date on Sunday, 17 May 2026. During the Spring Festival, part of the neighbourhood's main celebrations, the group successfully completed their third '5 de 7' (five levels of seven people) and recovered the '4 de 7 amb agulla' (four levels of seven with a central pillar), which they had not built in almost a year. This was their eighth '4 de 7 amb agulla' in total. They also managed a '3 de 7 amb agulla' and a 'pilar de 5' (a five-person pillar).
Known as the 'Esquerdats', the group performed alongside invited 'colles' (groups) the Castellers de Mollet and the Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges. The event marked a significant milestone for the local castellers, according to a statement from the organisation.
Building on Previous Success
This record-breaking Sunday followed a historic Saturday for the 'Esquerdats'. For the first time, they held a 'Jornada de Vigilies' (Vigil Day), where they built similar human towers but with one less level. These included a '5 de 6', a '3 de 6 amb agulla', and a '4 de 6 amb agulla'. This Saturday event took place with the Castellers del Prat, next to a new mural painted by the 'Esquerdats' on a wall surrounding the former Modelo prison.
The 'castellers' of Esquerra de l'Eixample organise four of their own 'diades castelleres' (human tower days) annually. Two are held in May, one in June, and another in October. The group, formed in 2018, plans to surpass their current best at their anniversary celebration in June with a new human tower.
Community Roots and Future Plans
The Colla Castellera de l'Esquerra de l'Eixample was founded with the aim of creating a stronger, more cohesive neighbourhood network through a shared passion for human towers. A year after its creation, the 'Esquerdats' became part of the Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya (CCCC), the coordinating body for human tower groups in Catalonia.
Their upcoming anniversary event in June is expected to draw a large crowd as the group attempts to set another new record. This continuous pursuit of higher and more complex human towers reflects their dedication to the tradition and their community.
