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For over 200 years, people in Catalonia, Spain, have been creating human towers, known as castells, out of their bodies. While generally not performed in a competition environment, every two years teams come together to compete in the Concurs de Castells in Tarragona. This year, one team has made history by successfully building a nine-story human tower.
The tradition originated from an older folk dance called Ball de Valencians, which gained popularity in Catalonia in the 18th century, is Often performed during festivals and processions, the finale of the dances would culminate in the participants forming a small human structure, creating a tower-like effect that delighted onlookers. Eventually, that final acrobatic form started to become the main attraction.
One of the defining characteristics of castells is that it’s an intergenerational tradition, with people of many ages, sizes, and strengths taking part within each colla, aka a team or club of participants. The 2026 Concurs de Castells was a momentous event, as the Castellers de Vilafranca became the first team ever to completely build and dismantle a 9 de 9 amb folre, or 9d9f, earning them the competition victory.
Teams earn points based on the difficulty of their towers and whether they can successfully build and, just as importantly, dismantle them. The 9d9f structure consists of nine people on each of its main levels, rising nine levels high, with an additional reinforced base known as a folre helping to support the enormous weight.
Founded in 1948, the Castellers de Vilafranca have a long history of building some of the most difficult castells. Known for their distinctive green shirts, the team has for decades been one of the top teams in the competition, and this isn’t their first time winning the prestigious Concurs de Castells. In fact, their 2026 victory marked their 14th win.
On October 4, when the history-making team completed the 9 de 9 amb folre with a successful dismantling, the crowd erupted in cheers and green confetti rained across the stadium. Ultimately, the competition is a celebration of the tradition, and celebrate they did.
Over the last week, teams have gathered from all over Spain to compete in the 30th Concurs de Castells in Tarragona.
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Castellers de Vilafranca became the first team ever to completely build and dismantle a 9 de 9 amb folre, earning them the competition victory.
The crowd erupted in cheers and green confetti rained across the stadium in celebration.
View this post on Instagram
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