Andorrans Face Financial Squeeze After Lavish New Year's Feasts

Andorrans heading into the new year face a financial wake-up call after lavish Cap d’Any dinners, as January traditionally brings tight budgets and higher expenses.

Helena Anillo, in her Altaveu column published on 1 January 2026, cautioned residents against overspending on year-end celebrations. With the first month of the year looming, many households could struggle amid routine economic pressures.

The warning comes amid reports of soaring costs for New Year’s Eve dinners, which have climbed to as much as €396 per person and are nearing full capacity at popular venues. Such traditions, while cherished, risk straining finances just as post-holiday bills arrive.

Anillo’s piece highlights broader economic strains in Andorra. Related coverage notes that one in five citizens spends over half their income on housing, underscoring affordability challenges. In the capital, Andorra la Vella, authorities are considering allowing some apartments in the Terra Vella block to rent at market rates, potentially easing supply issues but raising access concerns.

Other stories reflect the societal backdrop: provisional jail time approved for the so-called “watch entrepreneur”; increased workloads for those labouring on New Year’s Eve, mixing colleague festivities with family nostalgia; and a workplace harassment incident at a thermal centre.

Trending incidents include police intervention at La Creperia de la Rotonda due to tensions, pro-amnesty commentary in Forbes on the BPA case, elevator vandalism in the Quirola, a single mother awaiting affordable housing despite recognised rights, and a dog attack severely injuring a child.

Anillo urged restraint: “Gener a la cantonada”—January is around the corner—for those not minding costs while bidding farewell to the old year. Authorities have yet to outline specific relief measures for the coming months.