The Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya unveils a new helmet and face shield for children participating in castells. This initiative aims to enhance safety during performances.
The vibrant tradition of castells, or human towers, in Catalonia is set to become safer for its youngest participants with the introduction of a new child safety helmet and face shield. The Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya (CCCC) announced these protective innovations, designed specifically for children who occupy the upper tiers of the structures, known as pom de dalt. The first public demonstration will take place on September 24 during the traditional diades castelleres in Barcelona and Tarragona.
This initiative comes after two years of collaboration between CCCC, helmet manufacturer NZI, and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. The latter has played a crucial role since November 2025 in refining the design and ensuring that the helmets fit securely while providing maximum protection. The support from local government entities such as the Generalitat, Diputación de Barcelona, and CaixaBank has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
The newly designed helmet features an innovative semi-rigid face shield made from polystyrene that covers critical areas including the eyebrows, nasal bridge, and cheekbones. This enhancement aims to improve both comfort and safety for young performers who are integral to maintaining this cherished cultural practice.
“This new helmet is a testament to our commitment to prioritizing child safety,” said Albert Torres, president of CCCC.
The rollout of these helmets will be gradual; both the old model—used since 2006—and the new design will coexist during a transition period. The existing helmets have proven effective over time but are now being updated to meet modern safety standards.
Sònia Hernández, Catalonia’s Minister of Culture, emphasized that this initiative reflects a collective effort among various stakeholders including technical teams and health professionals. She stated that it is essential for public administrations to support communities that preserve such important cultural heritage. “This is a step forward in reinforcing children’s safety—the future of our castells,” she added.
The introduction of these protective measures aligns with CCCC’s broader campaign titled Evolucionem, which seeks to highlight how popular culture can evolve while remaining true to its roots. As part of this campaign, CCCC aims not only to enhance safety but also to promote awareness about the importance of cultural traditions like castells.
As excitement builds towards the upcoming demonstrations on September 24, families involved in local colles are encouraged to attend and witness firsthand how these advancements will contribute positively to their children’s participation in this beloved tradition. For those interested in attending the event or learning more about castells culture, further details can be found on CCCC’s official website.
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