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

Andorra la Vella has unveiled a commemorative plaque in Plaça Príncep Benlloch honouring a joint performance by Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls and Castellers d’Andorra during the 2025 Santa Ermengol festival.

The plaque marks the achievement on 2 August 2025, when the groups successfully built and unloaded four highly complex human towers: a 3 de 9, 4 de 9, 5 de 8, and pilar de 6. Valls mayor Dolors Farré described it as the most important display ever in the square and the greatest castell performance outside Catalonia.

This is the second such plaque in the square. The first, installed in 2019, recognised Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls for a 4 de 9, earning Plaça Príncep Benlloch its "plaça castellera" status. Cònsol Major Sergi González recalled the emotional impact of that moment, noting it gave him and many others goosebumps.

Colla Vella president Xavier Pons highlighted the challenge of bringing a large team over 200 kilometres off-season. He expressed pride in the feats, calling them the best abroad for the group and thanking the Andorra la Vella commune and Castellers d’Andorra. Cap de colla Pere Baró of Castellers d’Andorra described sharing the stage as a major opportunity and enriching experience.

Leaders underscored the nearly 60-year twinning between Andorra la Vella and Valls, built on shared culture and traditions like human towers. Farré mentioned culinary links such as escudella and calçotadas, adding that visits feel like coming home. González referenced a joint institutional event for the 50th anniversary and said discussions are underway for the 60th.

The event aligns with a strong year for Andorran castellers, who recently completed their first 4 de 7 and regained a pilar de 5 after nine years, cementing the square's status as a venue for top local and international teams.