Canillo Seniors' Association Marks 30th Anniversary with Festive Gathering
Around 50 members celebrated at headquarters with tributes to past leaders, traditional Andorran meal, and highlights on efforts to combat isolation through activities and outings.
Key Points
- Canillo Seniors' Association celebrated 30th anniversary with 50 members at headquarters.
- Event featured tributes to past leaders, traditional Andorran meal, and commemorative gifts.
- Association combats isolation via daily drop-ins, games, meetings, and monthly outings.
- Officials praised group's role in social cohesion, active ageing, and integration.
The Canillo Seniors' Association celebrated its 30th anniversary on Tuesday with a gathering at its headquarters in the former Casa Comuna building, marking three decades since its founding meetings on 26 May 1996 at the first floor of Cal Metge.
Around 50 of its 137 registered members attended the afternoon event, which included tributes to past leaders, lively conversations, and a traditional meal of botifarra sausage, ham, fuet sausage, bread, escalivada, cheese, coca de recapte, grilled botifarra, and anniversary cake. Attendees received a commemorative napkin ring. Communal welfare councillor Sílvia Mandicó called the mood "like a children's birthday party among close friends," adding that it honoured the parish's first seniors' gathering.
Association president Rosa Alcobé highlighted the group's ongoing efforts to fight isolation through daily drop-ins, Thursday board game afternoons, monthly meetings, a February annual assembly, and one or two monthly outings to other parishes or abroad. Special breakfasts mark key dates, and while the centre welcomes everyone, she noted difficulties for those living alone or with mobility challenges. Members often arrange their own rides, supplemented by the free communal bus. "Some just made it today," she observed, stressing how participants "help each other and build networks."
Major councillor Jordi Alcobé recalled Canillo's expansion from 1,000 residents 30 years ago, crediting the association with fostering social cohesion, equality, and integration. "Everyone is equal here, whether locals or visitors," he said, pointing to greater gender balance now than in the past, when many women remained at home.
The event paid tribute to former presidents, beginning with founder Antoni Palmitjavila, followed by Josep Lassnig, Jaume Rossa, Yvonne Duedra, and current leader Rosa Alcobé. One highlight honoured 94-year-old Josep, a longstanding figure. Mandicó and Alcobé both praised its role in active ageing, backed by council support for year-round self-managed activities. Other consistory members and local figures, including priest mossèn Ramon, attended the simple communal affair.
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