Historic tower marks high point of Mercè festivities
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, Minyons de Terrassa achieved a major milestone in their history by successfully disassembling the 5 of 9 with cover, one of the most prestigious human towers in Catalan tradition, during the Diada Històrica Castellera at Plaça de Sant Jaume in Barcelona. The feat, celebrated with thunderous applause from the packed square, marked the first time this season the group had both raised and fully dismantled the complex structure. According to El Periódico, the team attempted the tower twice before succeeding, underscoring its difficulty (S2). This particular castell holds deep historical significance for the group: they were the first to complete it in modern times back in 1995.
It’s a construction especially important for the history of the Minyons.
Double gamma extra success amid strong heat
Despite high temperatures that saw spectators using fans and water bottles to stay cool, crowds filled every corner of the square to witness the event. The Minyons also successfully completed a second gamma extra-level tower: the 2 of 9 with cover and braces. They later added the 4 of 9 with cover and nearly achieved perfection in the pillar round by completing the ascent of the 8-person-high pillar with cover and braces, though it collapsed during disassembly. The group concluded their performance with a Pde5 and two 4Pde4 structures.
Other groups deliver strong performances
Hosts Castellers de Barcelona delivered their best performance of the season. They successfully built the 5 of 8, their signature tower, and completed the 8 with cover, after failing twice during the previous Thursday’s diada. Their attempt at the 3 of 9 with cover broke during disassembly. Joves Xiquets de Valls began strongly, completing the 3 of 9 with cover for the twelfth time this season. They also discharged the 4 of 9 with cover and the 2 of 8 with cover without issues. Notably, they completed the pilar de 8fm (pillar of 8 with cover and braces), marking the fourth consecutive year they have achieved this at La Mercè.
Event part of broader Mercè celebrations
This diada was one of two major casteller events during Barcelona’s annual La Mercè festival. The first took place on Thursday, 24 September, featuring all local Barcelona casteller groups at Plaça de Sant Jaume, as detailed in the official city guide (S1). Sunday’s event, known as the Diada Històrica Castellera, brought together invited groups from outside the city, continuing a long-standing tradition of inter-collegiate celebration rooted in Catalonia’s cultural heritage.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, elperiodico.com, naciodigital.cat, viki.cat, lavanguardia.com, diarideterrassa.com, revistacastells.cat, Diari de Terrassa, Ajuntament de Terrassa, Publicat per internacional el 11 de juliol de 2023 11 de juliol de 2023, MónTerrassa.
