Andorra la Vella Unveils Plaque for Historic Human Towers by Valls and Local Castellers

Andorra la Vella has unveiled a plaque in Plaça Príncep Benlloch commemorating the record-breaking "tripleta màgica" human towers performed by Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls during the 2025 Santa Ermengol festival.

The plaque honours the structures successfully completed on the afternoon of 2 August 2025: a 3 de 9 amb folre, 4 de 9 amb folre, 5 de 8, and pilar de 6. Cònsol Major Sergi González described the event as a source of pride for the capital, stating that the square now forms part of castells history after hosting such a landmark performance outside Catalonia.

Valls Mayor Dolors Ferré, who joined González for the unveiling, called it the most significant castells act ever staged beyond Catalonia. She highlighted the nearly 60-year twinning between the two cities, rooted in shared traditions and culture. The ceremony also featured Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada, Valls Tourism councillor Joan Ibarra, and representatives from both Colla Vella and Castellers d’Andorra.

Colla Vella president Xavi Pons said the off-season challenge, far from familiar venues and over 170 kilometres away, tested the group's resolve in rallying participants. Cap de colla Manel Urbano viewed castells as a reflection of society, bridging social, generational, and economic divides. The display builds on a 2019 plaque recognising Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls for a 3 de 9 amb folre and naming the square a "plaça castellera"—an event González also attended.

Castellers d’Andorra cap de colla Pere Baró labelled 2026 a historic season, with the group's first 4 de 7 and a pilar de 5 recovered after nine years during the recent festa major. He said partnering with elite visitors like Colla Vella drives progress.

The plaque coincides with preparations for the 60th anniversary of the Andorra la Vella-Valls twinning in 2027. Officials noted additional bonds, such as biennial exchanges of calçots and escudella, alongside the castells tradition that originated in Valls. Colla Vella first achieved the tripleta màgica in 1992 at Tarragona's XIV Concurs de Castells.