Andorra has a lot of celebration days and holidays, but only
a few of which are ones that banks and government offices shut down. Because Andorra is primarily Roman
Catholic, many of the religious holidays are Catholic holidays. (Dates given
are for 2012.)
New Years Day: January 1. The New Years is almost as
extravagant as Christmas. There are lots of special foods, dancing, music, and
drinking. It’s celebrated for several days, usually until Epiphany. Like other
European countries, they do many of the same traditions, like New Years
resolutions, prepare a Yule log, but they also decorate their homes with
different flowers, as well as mistletoe (which is normally used only around
Christmas in the US) and juniper. A lot of places will set off fireworks.
Epiphany: January 6.
Epiphany is the feast day in Christianity that celebrates God the Son
taking the form of a human being in Jesus Christ. It also celebrates the Magi
visiting the baby Jesus and bringing gifts. Many Andorrans celebrate it by eating sweet pastries with a
trinket in it, and whoever gets the pastry with the trinket in it is “king” for
a day. This is also a tradition in areas of nearby France as well.
Constitution Day: March 14. This is the day that the
constitution was signed March 14, 1993. It was originally signed by Andorra’s
co-princes, which at the time were the French President, François Mitterrand,
and the Bishop of Urgell, Joan Martà Alanis. Most businesses are closed.
Easter: April 8. In Andorra, churches stop ringing their
bells on Maundy Thursday and will commence ringing again on Easter Sunday.
Children will often wake up on Easter morning to search for colored eggs. Some
will uses candles as a metaphor for Jesus being the “Light of the World” and
will extinguish it on Good Friday to signify his death while relighting again
it on Sunday morning to signify his raising from the dead. Then it’s lit every
day until Ascension Day.
Labor Day: May 1.
Most businesses are closed.
The May 1 date has been set as Labor Day since 1890. Many workers will gather at factories
and workplaces and then participate in parades and other demonstrations.
Ascension: May 17.
Ascension Day is 40 days after Easter. Many churches will elevate a
figure of Jesus through a hole in the roof to signify Jesus’ ascension into
heaven.
St. John’s Day: June 24. Although it marks the beginning of summer solstice, it’s
named after John the Baptist. Huge bonfires are set in every town, its fuel
being provided for by the citizens of that town. There are prayers said, mostly
for a good harvest. And no celebrate would be complete without singing and
dancing. After the bonfire is put
out, many farmers will take some of the ashes and spread it on the corners of
their field.
Assumption: Aug. 15. Another Catholic holiday celebrating
Mary’s assumption into heaven. Many Andorran Catholics will celebrate with
going to church, picnics, parties, and spending time with family.
National Day: September 8. Also called Our Lady of Meritxell
Day, named after the patron saint of Andorra (the Virgin Mary). Most businesses
are closed for the day, and many people will visit church for a special Mass to
pay homage to the national saint. They often eat grilled lamb and spend the
night dancing, and there’s usually a fireworks display after dark.
All Saint’s Day: November 1. An old celebration I think may
be related to the early observance of what Halloween developed from. Some will take the time to visit of the
graves of loved ones to pay homage to their ancestors and tidy up the gravesites.
It’s been said that this helps to ease the feeling of the dead, especially to
keep those who may not have had a peaceful death from coming back for
retribution.
Immaculate Conception: December 8. A celebration surrounding the idea that Mary was excluded
from original sin and became the mother of Jesus. Many Catholics will attend
services to place roses at the feet of a statue of Mary.
Christmas Eve: December 24. Many families see this as a time to get together to
celebrate the holiday. Andorran Christians may attend a midnight Mass and
followed by a variety of celebrations that include drinking hot wine and eating
a variety of special food and sweets.
Christmas: December 25. There are a lot of popular celebrations in Andorra around
Christmastime. Christmas trees and lights decorate the country. Andorran
Christians will attend one or more special church services. Exchanging presents
is also popular. Many Andorrans
will eat turkey for their Christmas meal along with special Christmas sweets.
Music is really important in Andorra, and several music
festivals are held throughout the year.
The International Jazz Festival is held each year in July (I would
TOTALLY love to go to that!), and the Festival of Classical Music is held every
September (I might as well just stay for this one). There are several music and
dance festivals held around the country.
And apparently, there is also the International Women’s Clown Festival
held in the capital, Andorra la Vella, if that’s your thing. See, there IS
something for everyone.
Up next: Art and Literature
Resources:
Andorran public holidays: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/andorra/public-holidays
Festivals and Events: http://travel.mapsofworld.com/andorra/festivals-and-events-in-andorra.html
Wikipedia articles: “Epiphany” “Constitution Day”
Andorran holidays: http://www.fofweb.com/wgco/Print.aspx?iPin=EHCI0035&WinType=Free
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