The Diada Històrica Castellera de La Mercè is held on 24 September during the city’s main festival, when human towers are built. In Plaça de Sant Jaume, local casteller groups from across the city come together alongside invited top-level teams, with traditional music playing throughout. Watching the towers take shape is one of those experiences that stays with you, especially when you are there in the middle of the square’s lively atmosphere. A key part of Barcelona’s intangible cultural heritage.
This is good to know
Plaça de Sant Jaume fills up quickly, so if you want a good view it’s best to arrive at least an hour early.
It is essential to keep quiet while the castell is being built, as signalled by the gralla instrument, so the castellers can concentrate.