Diada Castellera (Human Towers)
By Charlotte Stace
Santa Eulàlia isn’t just a winter festival, it also kicks off the castellers season, when Barcelona’s human tower teams return to the streets. For locals, it’s one of the most emotional highlights of the festivities where tradition, adrenaline and community spirit come together in one spectacular ritual.
In front of the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, several colles castelleres build honorary pillars, tall, narrow human towers held with astonishing stillness and control. You’ll see the base lock in, the structure rise layer by layer, and, to top it off, a child climber reach the top with immense bravery. Then comes the amazing part - the teams walk the pillars through the Gothic Quarter and on to Plaça Sant Jaume, keeping the tower intact as they move.
If you haven’t yet seen this, it truly is breathtaking and should be at the top of your list of things to see during this year’s Festes de Santa Eulàlia