Santa Tecla, Tarragona's main festival, is one of the most important dates in the casteller calendar. For centuries, the city has hosted some of the most significant human tower performances, even playing a role in the First Golden Age of castells in the 19th century. Today, the festival still features three dedicated diades castelleres that draw crowds to the historic center.
Castells are human towers that can reach up to ten levels, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originating in the Camp de Tarragona region in the 18th century, they have become a symbol of Catalan culture. Watching a diada is a thrilling experience that showcases teamwork, balance, and courage.
The Three Diades of Santa Tecla: An Overview
During Santa Tecla, Tarragona hosts three main castells performances, or diades. The first takes place on the first Sunday of the festival, the second on September 23 to honor the patron saint, and the third on September 24 for the Mercè. Each diada has its own character and location, but all feature the city's local colles.
The official festival program confirms these three events, but it is always wise to check the current year's schedule, as times and details can vary. The city council publishes an updated program closer to the festival dates.
First Sunday of Festes: A Grand Opening at Plaça de la Font
Since the early 2000s, the first Sunday of the festival has featured a major diada at Plaça de la Font. This event brings together the two best local colles from the previous season along with two guest colles that are among the top in the casteller world. It serves as an opening highlight, setting the tone for the week's celebrations.
Because the guest colles and the participating local teams depend on the prior year's results, the lineup varies annually. To know who will perform in a given year, you need to consult the latest festival program or local news announcements.
Diada de Santa Tecla (23 September): The Main Event
On September 23, the day of Tarragona's patron saint, all four local colles gather at Plaça de la Font for the main diada of the festival. This is the most significant performance, where each group aims to complete their most challenging constructions of the season. The square becomes a sea of colorful shirts as teams compete to outdo each other.
Plaça de la Font is the heart of the festival, surrounded by historic buildings and a lively atmosphere. Spectators fill the square early, so arriving well before the scheduled start is essential to secure a good view.
Diada de la Mercè (24 September): The Walking Pillars Route
The day after Santa Tecla, the four local colles return for the Diada de la Mercè at Plaça de les Cols. What makes this event special is the baixada de pilars, where each group walks a four-level pillar (pilar de quatre) through the city streets. The route stretches 410 meters from Plaça de les Cols to the Ajuntament, climbing the steps of the Pla de la Seu, crossing Carrer Major, descending Baixada de la Misericòrdia, and passing through Plaça de la Font.
This walking route is one of the most emotional moments of the festival. Each colla attempts the pillar in order of their foundation, and completing the full route takes between 6 and 10 minutes. Following the pillars along the route offers a unique perspective on the city, though finding a spot in the narrow streets can be challenging.
The Four Local Colles of Tarragona
Tarragona is home to four permanent casteller groups, known as colles. The oldest is the Colla Castellers Xiquets de Tarragona, founded in 1970 from a merger of two earlier teams. They wear a striped white and red shirt and have achieved notable towers such as the 2de9 with folre and manilles.
The Colla Jove dels Xiquets de Tarragona, founded in 1979, is recognizable by its lilac shirt. They have accomplished the 5de9 with folre and the 3de10 with folre and manilles, among other feats.
From the maritime neighborhood of Serrallo, the Xiquets del Serrallo was established in 1988 and wears a navy blue shirt reflecting their fishing heritage. Their achievements include the 4de8 and the 3de7 aixecat per sota.
The youngest colla, Castellers de Sant Pere i Sant Pau, was founded in 1990 and is linked to the neighborhood of the same name. They dress in green and have completed towers like the 2de8 with folre and the 3de8. Together, these four groups are a fundamental part of Tarragona's cultural identity.
Practical Tips for Watching the Diades
To watch the diades, head to Plaça de la Font for the first Sunday and September 23, and to Plaça de les Cols for September 24. Arrive at least an hour early to find a spot near the barriers, as these squares fill up fast with locals and tourists alike.
There is no ticket for the diades; they are open-air public performances. However, the walking pillars on September 24 require you to stand along the route, which can be crowded. For a better view, consider standing near the Pla de la Seu steps or along Carrer Major.
Plan Your Visit: When to Arrive, What to Bring
The diades typically start in the morning, around noon, but exact times are announced in the festival program. Since the program is published a few weeks before, check the official website or the town hall for details. Plan to spend at least two to three hours at each diada, as there are multiple rounds of towers.
Bring water, sun protection, and a hat, as you will be standing in the open square with limited shade. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to follow the walking pillars. Binoculars can enhance the view of the higher towers, and a small step stool can help children see over the crowd.
For a broader experience, consider exploring the rest of the Santa Tecla festival, which runs for more than ten days with concerts, parades, and other activities. You can find more ideas in our guide to the Santa Tecla Tarragona festival guide.
Beyond the Diades: Other Castells Events in Tarragona
Besides Santa Tecla, Tarragona hosts other major castells events throughout the year. The most prominent is the Concurs de Castells, a biennial competition held at the Tarragona Arena, separate from the festival. If you are planning around that event, see our guide on how to get Concurs de Castells tickets.
From June to October, the city runs 'Tarragona, city of castells,' a series of activities including guided visits to rehearsals and workshops. These offer a behind-the-scenes look at the tradition. For more ideas on cultural events in the region, check our guide to festivals in Spain.
Plan Your Visit
Santa Tecla's three diades offer a unique chance to see castells in their most festive setting. Whether you choose the opening Sunday, the main day on September 23, or the walking pillars on September 24, each performance showcases skill and tradition. Remember to check the official program closer to your visit, as times and guest colles are confirmed year by year. For the wider calendar and an introduction to the local tower-building tradition, see our Tarragona castells guide.
With this schedule in hand, you can plan your trip to Tarragona to catch these incredible human towers. Enjoy the festival and the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the castells performances during Santa Tecla?
There are three diades: the first Sunday of the festival, September 23 (Diada de Santa Tecla), and September 24 (Diada de la Mercè). All are open-air and free, but you should confirm the exact schedule for the current edition through the official festival program.
Where do the Santa Tecla castells take place?
The first Sunday and September 23 diades are held at Plaça de la Font, while the September 24 diada takes place at Plaça de les Cols, followed by a walking pillars route through the city streets.
Which colles perform during Santa Tecla?
The four local colles of Tarragona are the Xiquets de Tarragona, Colla Jove dels Xiquets de Tarragona, Xiquets del Serrallo, and Castellers de Sant Pere i Sant Pau. The first Sunday may also include guest colles from elsewhere in Catalonia.
Do I need tickets to see the castells during Santa Tecla?
No, the diades are free public performances in the city squares. However, the walking pillars route can get crowded, so arrive early for a good viewing spot.
