New helmet and face protection to debut at La Mercè

On 24 September, during the human tower (castellera) event of Barcelona’s La Mercè festival, children in casteller groups will trial a new safety helmet and a semirigid facial protector for the first time. The updated helmet and the new face shield are the result of collaboration between the Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya (CCCC), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, and NZI, the Murcian company that has manufactured casteller helmets since 2006.

Improved fit and expanded protection

The new helmet improves head retention, adapts to all head sizes and extends frontal and lateral protection. It will be introduced gradually and coexist with the current model for a period.

“The helmet arriving at the colles is the result of months and months of work, testing with dozens of children from different teams,” said Sílvia Simó, medical and health coordinator at CCCC.

The facial protector is designed as a complementary item, covering the eyebrows, nasal bridge and cheekbones. Made from expanded polyethylene, it will be optional and not integrated into the helmet to preserve mobility and vision during tower building.

Backed by clinical and technical expertise

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu contributed clinical insight and 3D technology through its innovation, 3D unit and clinical photography departments. The hospital’s ethics committee approved the project. Since the introduction of casteller helmets in 2006, following the fatal fall of a 12-year-old girl, there have been no serious cranioencephalic injuries recorded. The redesign aims to further protect vulnerable facial areas while maintaining practicality. The official presentation of both safety items will take place on 18 September, ahead of their first real-world test during La Mercè’s casteller day.

Primary sources: barcelona.cat, bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Direcció Tècnica d'Urbanisme, Barcelona City Council. Reported by 3CatInfo, telecinco.es, ACN, terrassadigital.cat, rtvvilafranca.cat, cope.es, diarimes.com, La Ciutat, lavanguardia.com, abc.es, Tarragona Ràdio, capgros.elnacional.cat, Betevé.