Castellers of Vilafranca and Dagoll Dagom win National Culture Award

The iconic human towers group Castellers of Vilafranca and Dagoll Dagom, the theatre company behind the bestselling musical 'Mar i Cel,' are among the winners of the 2025 National Culture Awards.

The plenary of the National Council for Culture and Arts (CoNCA) announced on Friday the recipients of this prestigious award, the highest honor in Catalonia's cultural sector.

Other winners include the music group Tarta Relena, known for folk and Gregorian chant, artist Mari Chordà, and choreographer Marcos Morau.

The awards were presented on Friday at the Circ Cric in Sant Esteve de Palautordera, north of Barcelona.

Castellers de Vilafranca: A first in human towers history

The Castellers de Vilafranca, one of the most legendary 'colles' (human tower groups), is the first to receive this prestigious award.

The jury highlighted that they are an "icon" in Catalan popular culture worldwide.

Founded in 1948, the group comes from the Catalan region with the richest human tower tradition.

The Castellers de Vilafranca have performed some of the most impressive castells ever and are considered the most professionalized colla in the scene, with over a thousand castellers.

The jury praised their "technical and innovative spirit" and their philosophy of preserving the "emotional well-being" of the participants.

Their head of the colla, Àngel Grau, said that although the award is for their group, "the whole castellers world shares many of the values this award represents."

Dagoll Dagom: 50 years of theatre

The jury  has highlighted the remarkable fifty-year trajectory of Dagoll Dagom, one of Catalonia's most iconic theatre companies.

Their landmark production, 'Mar i Cel' by Àngel Guimerà, has long been a classic on Catalan stages. This year, it was performed for the last time under the company, which is now closing its doors.

Joan Lluís Bozzo, one of the company’s founders, joked that he was grateful to receive the award "before dying." "It's a posthumous award," he said jokingly.

Anna Rosa Cisquella, another of the three founders, reflected that now, with the company officially closing, she fully appreciates the impact Dagoll Dagom has had in shaping multiple generations.

Tarta Relena: music innovators

The Catalan duo Tarta Relena has been gaining recognition in recent years as one of the most unique acts in Catalan music.

The duo blends modern and electronic sounds with traditional elements to create a distinctive and groundbreaking mix of folk and Gregorian chant.

The jury highlighted how Marta Torrella and Helena Ros introduce new musical and scenic languages while drawing from tradition.

The pair received the award in disbelief. "It feels like we've stepped into a reality we didn't expect. It's a great encouragement to keep doing what we do," they said.

Last year, Tarta Relena performed in one of the popular Tiny Desk Concerts hosted by American public broadcaster NPR.

Mari Chordà and Marcos Morau

Multidisciplinary artist Mari Chordà received the award in recognition of her long artistic career.

The jury praised the quality of her work, primarily in painting but also in poetry.

They also highlighted her civic and cultural commitment, particularly in promoting projects for various collectives and advancing feminism.

Chordà has explored themes such as sexuality and maternity, anticipating the feminist movements of the 1970s, influenced by the 1960s' New Realism and Pop Art.

Meanwhile, choreographer Marcos Morau was honored for his contributions to movement and choreographic language.

The jury recognized his singularity and excellence in physical theatre, combining dance with visual elements.

His company, La Veronal, founded twenty years ago, has become the cornerstone of his work.

Morau expressed his pride at being "recognized at home," while noting that his profession "still needs a lot of support."