Video: @castellersandorra / IG
Rain Forces Move, But Spirits Stay High
Heavy rain on Saturday morning forced organisers to relocate the fifth International Diada Castellera from Plaça de la Font to the Recinte Firal at the Palau Firal i de Congressos, as confirmed by the Tarragona city council's official agenda. Despite the change, the event proceeded at the same time and drew strong attendance, showcasing the growing global reach of Catalan human tower-building. The Diada, held on 3 October 2026, served as a prelude to the 29th Tarragona Castell Competition taking place the following day. Six international teams participated: Castellers d'Andorra, Castellers de París, Castellers of London, Colla Castellera de Madrid, Xiquets de Copenhaguen, and, for the first time, Castellers de Lo Prado from Chile.
Andorra’s Historic Performance
The Colla Castellera d'Andorra delivered a standout performance, achieving the first 3 de 7 in their history, along with a 4 de 7, a 9 de 6, and a pilar de 5. Their achievements marked a significant milestone for the team, according to reporting by Diari d'Andorra. Castellers de Madrid built a 4 de 6 amb agulla (with a central column), supported by a 2 de 6 and a 3 de 6 per sota (from below). Castellers of London successfully completed all three of their planned structures: a 3 de 6, a 4 de 6, and a 3 de 6 amb agulla.
European and Transatlantic Teams Impress
Castellers de París also shone, completing a 4 de 6 amb agulla, a 2 de 6, and a 5 de 6. Their consistent execution reinforced their reputation as one of the leading international teams. The appearance of Castellers de Lo Prado from Chile was a historic first for the Diada, marking the first time a team from the Americas has participated. They built a 3 de 6 amb agulla, a 4 de 6, and a 3 de 6, earning enthusiastic support from the crowd. The day concluded with a final round in which Castellers de Madrid and d'Andorra jointly formed a pilar de 5, while teams from Alghero, Lausanne, and Euskal Herriko Casteller Taldea formed a pilar de 4.
Global Growth of Casteller Culture
The inclusion of the Chilean team highlights the expanding international footprint of casteller traditions beyond Europe. Organisers noted that interest from overseas teams has grown significantly, with several groups meeting the eligibility requirement of having successfully dismantled six-level towers during the previous season. Despite this increased demand, the organising committee chose to maintain the format of six participating groups to ensure event quality and logistical feasibility, particularly given the long-distance travel involved for teams like those from Chile. More information about the event is available on the Tarragona city council's official agenda page.
Reported by agenda.tarragona.cat, tarragona.cat, La V Diada Castellera Internacional reunirà 6 colles en la jornada prèvia al Concurs de Castells de Tarragona, diariandorra.ad, mosaiccasteller.cat, exterior.cat.
