Valls sets record human‑tower feats at Sant Joan festival

The two main casteller groups of Valls – the Colla Joves Xiquets and the Colla Vella dels Xiquets – delivered what organisers called the best Sant Joan performance in history. On a very hot day the Joves achieved a first‑ever 4‑d‑9 tower without folre, a feat immediately matched by the Vella. Both collas also completed a 5‑d‑9, a 7‑d‑9 with folre and manilles (involving about 80 participants), and a series of other high‑category towers, including an 8‑pillar and a 6‑pillar. The event was advanced by an hour to avoid the heat, and the spectacular displays have raised expectations ahead of the upcoming Concurs de Castells in Tarragona, where the Valls groups aim to challenge the long‑dominant Castellers de Vilafranca.

The performances were praised for their speed, technical skill and teamwork, marking a historic milestone for the town’s casteller tradition.