Andorra la Vella Revives Codfish Festival Jornades del Bacallà After 15-Year Hiatus

Andorra la Vella is reviving its longstanding codfish event, the Jornades del Bacallà, from April 20 to May 3, with 23 parish restaurants taking part.

The initiative, paused since 2009, aims to highlight the capital's culinary heritage while showcasing modern takes on the ingredient. Cod has long been central to Andorran mountain cuisine due to its ease of preservation and nutritional value in a landlocked country. Traditionally paired with local staples like potatoes, peppers, and allioli—especially during Lent—it now features in special menus and dishes under the "Cuinem el Futur" campaign.

Comú leader Sergi González emphasized the event's dual focus. "We are not only looking to the past to honor our culinary history, but also forward to boost our restaurateurs' talent," he said, noting that cod should become "a driver for our local economy and a point of pride in our gastronomic identity." The involvement of 23 establishments, he added, reflects the sector's commitment to quality and expanding the capital's cultural offerings.

Beyond public acclaim, a professional jury will award excellence with prizes of €1,000, €500, and €250 for the top three dishes. Diners who complete a short satisfaction survey after tasting the menus will enter a draw for a meal for two at the winning restaurant.

The event draws from the original Diada del Bacallà, launched in 1992 and held for 16 editions in Plaça del Poble. Highlights included the 2006 first World Codfish Days, featuring Iceland as guest nation, where over 150 kg of cod was distributed per edition. This revival seeks to cement Andorra la Vella's status as a quality gastronomic destination.