Castells traditions featured during La Mercè festivities

The La Mercè festivities in Catalonia feature significant 'castells' (human tower) performances in both Tarragona and Barcelona. In Tarragona, local groups including Xiquets de Tarragona, Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona, Xiquets del Serrallo, and Castellers de Sant Pere i Sant Pau participated in the 'Pilars Caminant' event. This tradition involves carrying a four-person pillar approximately 500 meters from Pla de la Seu to Plaça de la Font.

During these events, participants also debuted new safety equipment, specifically new helmets and facial protectors for the children involved in the constructions.

In Barcelona, the festivities include a dedicated day for local groups such as Castellers de Barcelona, Castellers de Sants, and Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia, among others. The tradition of human towers in Barcelona has grown significantly since the founding of Castellers de Barcelona in 1969, marking the expansion of the practice outside its traditional territories in Penedès and Camp de Tarragona.