Castells for Fairs, Conferences and Incentives: live Catalan culture
If you organise fairs, conferences or incentive trips and want an authentically Catalan experience for your guests, castells are the right choice. Recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, they combine visual spectacle, collective emotion and deep cultural meaning in a way that connects with audiences from anywhere.
For international delegations, a casteller performance is much more than entertainment: it is an immersive introduction to a tradition with more than 200 years of history and values rooted in cooperation, trust and ambition. In about 10 minutes, a group of 25 or 40 castellers creates a moment that guests remember and share long after the event ends.
At a glance
- Duration
- A performance of about 10 minutes that works well as an opening, welcome or ice-breaker.
- Best audience
- International delegations, conferences, fairs, incentive groups and institutional events.
- Languages
- We can frame the performance in Catalan, Spanish, English or French.
- Logistics
- You only need a 4x4 metre area and between 6 and 8 metres of clear height depending on the format.
Quick comparison of MICE formats
| Criteria | Welcome reception | Cultural ice-breaker | Outdoor incentive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best moment | Conference opening or gala dinner | First day or opening session | Outdoor incentive programme |
| Participation | Low, focused on impact and welcome | Medium-high, with context and possible pinya | High in spectacle and atmosphere |
| Ideal setting | Lobby, auditorium or large hall | Stage or plenary with seated audience | Square, terrace or iconic city space |
| Best for | Setting the tone of the event | Breaking the ice between delegates | Creating an iconic Barcelona memory |
Why castells at your conference?
- A unique cultural element with global recognition: castells have been recognised by UNESCO since 2010.
- Ideal for international delegations looking for something authentic and representative of Catalan culture.
- Powerful storytelling: more than 200 years of history, with values of cooperation, trust and teamwork that resonate with any corporate audience.
- Highly shareable social media content: guests naturally film and post the performance, extending your event's visibility.
MICE formats
Welcome reception
A casteller performance at the conference entrance or during the gala dinner creates an immediate impact. Guests are welcomed by a live cultural performance that sets the tone from the very first moment, ideal for opening ceremonies that need something distinctive.
With only a 4x4 metre area, the castellers can build human towers up to 6 metres high indoors or 8 metres outdoors. The performance includes live gralla music, creating a festive and unmistakably local atmosphere from the start.
Cultural ice-breaker
This is a short session that combines cultural context with a live performance, ideal for the first day of a conference. The MC introduces the tradition in English, Spanish, Catalan or French depending on the audience, explaining what castells mean, where they come from and the values behind each structure.
After the introduction, guests move from spectators to participants: they can join the pinya, the human base supporting the castell. This shared experience helps break the ice between delegates from different countries and creates an emotional connection that carries into the rest of the event.
Outdoor incentive
A casteller performance in an iconic Barcelona setting such as Montjuic, the Gothic Quarter or Port Vell becomes a standout incentive experience. Guests see the tradition in a natural urban setting, surrounded by the city's architecture and atmosphere.
With up to 40 castellers building towers up to 8 metres high, the result is unforgettable. The mix of cultural heritage, a unique city backdrop and active guest participation makes this one of the most original and memorable incentive experiences available in Barcelona.
Experience for international audiences
- A multilingual MC in Catalan, Spanish, English or French who adapts the explanation to the audience profile.
- Full cultural context: UNESCO recognition, more than 200 years of history and the values of cooperation, trust and perseverance behind each castell.
- A participatory moment where guests can join the pinya and experience the tradition from the inside.
- A personalised banner with the company logo or message integrated into the performance.
Success stories
Leading organisations have chosen castells for their events, including the United Nations, the European Commission, FC Barcelona, 3Cat and the Government of Catalonia. They selected a casteller performance to give their guests an authentic, memorable and clearly Catalan cultural experience.
The format is flexible enough for both indoor and outdoor venues, with 25- or 40-casteller options, and the service includes insurance, live musicians, transport and a personalised banner. That makes castells a reliable, high-impact choice for corporate and institutional events.
Frequently asked questions about hiring castellers →