Ordino Carnival Testament Defends Satire, Slams Local Politics and Urban Sprawl

Ordino closed its Carnival celebrations on Wednesday evening with the traditional reading of the Carnestoltes testament, a sharp satirical review of local and national issues that opened by defending the right to hang effigies of any figure—"be it Netanyahu, Putin or Espot."

The event, held as part of the festivities' finale in the parish, began with explicit support for the "friends from Encamp" and their festivals commission amid an ongoing controversy over Carnival puppets there. Organisers from Ordino's Associació de Cultura Popular positioned the ritual as a bulwark for satire's critical spirit, even offering Encamp their local consuls—"Rufona and Betriu"—as effigies, suggesting it would elevate the next in line, Àlex Gaspà and Mònica Armengol, to the role.

Local matters dominated the text, read by the notary of the Ordino valleys. It mocked parish politics and criticised urban growth patterns, noting that new construction caters mainly to the wealthy while young residents struggle to stay in the village. The testament urged buying up heritage properties rather than leasing land to the rich, calling it the best collective investment for the future.

The dispute over the bear's head—a cultural heritage item—drew praise for the Associació de Cultura Popular's defence efforts, which may force government law changes, and criticism of the consuls' stance. "The bear belongs to the people," it stated, accusing officials of living in another world.

Ordino's general counsellors, Berna Coma and Gemma Riba, faced jabs for growing distant from the parish and spending too much time in the capital, no longer greeting locals as before—"even the lampposts are crying." General subsyndic Sandra Codina was lampooned for her wardrobe, allegedly stocked for appearances beside the high-calibre syndic.

The Cota 1.300 facility also came under fire for its 50,000-euro cost to parish coffers, often half-empty or used for friends' gatherings while cultural groups go underfunded. The text symbolically declared local associations as entities of cultural interest and called on finance councillor Ludovic Albós to redirect funds there.

Public officials received a closing admonition: holding office does not confer wisdom or intelligence. "Be humble, seek advice, and perhaps you'll stop braying."

The evening ended with the effigy burning, a funeral procession led by the mourners' group, and a popular sardine feast.

The Ordino gesture followed controversy in Encamp, where a Carnestoltes figure linked to Israel's flag prompted accusations of antisemitism. Head of Government Xavier Espot called it an "error" on Tuesday, confirming the festivals commission's clarification that it targeted a specific politician, not Jews or Israelis. Andorra's ambassador to France met Israel's chargé d'affaires to contextualise the events and distance the government, which condemns any antisemitic, racist or anti-religious acts. Espot said the matter is closed, noting Encamp plans further explanatory actions.