Fifth International Diada Castellera: A Human Tower Will Be Built at the MEK on 3 May 2025

25.04.2025
Museum Europäischer Kulturen

Known in Catalonia as castells, human towers up to ten storeys tall have a centuries-old tradition. As part of the 21st European Cultural Days, the 5th International Meeting of Castellers will be held on 3 May 2025 from 1 pm at the Museum Europäischer Kulturen (MEK, Museum of European Cultures).

The human towers are a unique tradition from Catalonia, with roots dating back to the late 17th century. The activity combines culture, sport and spectacle. Many Catalonians cultivate and preserve this custom with commitment and enthusiasm: There are over a hundred colles castelleres, or teams, often with hundreds of members. Their events and performances are a regular and indispensable aspect of Catalonian cultural life.

In 2010, UNESCO declared the tradition an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Castellers, as the human-tower builders call themselves, are no longer only found in Catalonia but also in other countries throughout the world. International castellers meet annually for a competition.

The International Diada Castellera Takes Place on 3 May 2025 from 1 pm at the MEK

The Fifth International Diada Castellera is happening for the first time in Berlin. On 3 May 2025, beginning at 1 pm, the MEK welcomes more than 400 castelleres and castellers to its museum grounds during the 21st European Cultural Days, which this year are dedicated to the Spanish region of Catalonia. All Berliners and other visitors interested in European culture are cordially invited to attend.

Free admission, no registration required.

21st European Cultural Days 2025: Catalonia

Each summer, the MEK holds the European Cultural Days. The 21st European Cultural Days focus on Catalonia this year.

Catalonia (Catalunya) is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean coast. The historical interplay between political autonomy, cultural independence, and oppression continues to shape the region to this day. In lectures and discussion panels, experts from academia, literature, and culture shed light on Catalonia’s varied history, the significance of the Catalan language, and modernist and contemporary lyrical treasures. Catalan and mixed bands demonstrate how strong roots can produce unique musical innovations.

And you can get involved yourself: Visitors have the chance to sample the language, participate in building the human towers recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage, try traditional dances in new interpretations, and taste the finest olive oil. With the European Cultural Days 2025, we offer you a unique opportunity to experience Catalonia from various perspectives in a feast for all the senses!

This year’s Cultural Days are organised in cooperation with the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to Germany, the Ibero-Amerikanisches Institut – Stiftung Preußische Kulturbesitz, and the Freunde des Museums Europäischer Kulturen (Friends of the Museum of European Cultures Association). In addition, we are showcasing the exhibition Vamos a la playa: Holidays under Franco. The Cultural Days and exhibition are supported by the Embassy of Spain.

Exhibition: Vamos a la playa: Holidays Under Franco

The MEK is also showing the exhibition Vamos a la playa: Holidays Under Franco. It brings together for the first time the two parts of the presentation Vacances amb Franco. Els meus estius a l’Espanya franquista (Holidays Under Franco: My Summers in Francoist Spain), which were shown in 2024 at the Catalan museums Museu de l’Empordà (Figueres) and the Bòlit Contemporary Art Center (Girona).

The Cultural Days and exhibition are funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain and the Institut Ramon Llull.