Andorra la Vella Reopens Plaça del Poble with Festive Ceremony and Circle Dance

Andorra la Vella's Plaça del Poble marked its official reopening on Saturday with a festive institutional event attended by around 400 people, despite intense midday sun. The ceremony highlighted the square's role as a longstanding intergenerational meeting point in the capital parish, now refreshed after months of renovation work that had drawn early criticism.

Comú leader Sergi González cut the ribbon at Rambla Molines alongside Cònsol Olalla Losada and Head of Government Xavier Espot. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in Plaça Vinyes, followed by a blessing from mossèn Ramon Sàrries. The orchestra from the local conservatory opened proceedings, leading into *La Suite de la Plaça del Poble*, composed with arrangements by David Sanz.

The Esbart Dansaire d'Andorra la Vella took centre stage, performing 44 years after leading the original 1982 inauguration with the same Contrapàs dance. Dancers then invited authorities—including Espot, Interior Minister Conxita Marsol, opposition figures Cerni Escalé and Pere Baró—and members of the public to join a large communal circle dance, fostering a shared sense of celebration.

González emphasised the square's social vitality over its physical upgrades. "A square is not just about nice furniture. It's about things happening and people making it their own," he said, noting that it has hosted activities for months and integrated into daily life. Scenes of elderly residents playing pétanque, children learning to cycle, families strolling and young people gathering underscored its enduring appeal.

Initial complaints focused on insufficient shade, too few benches and water leaks into the Vinyes car park from planters. Officials reported addressing these through added waterproofing, with further tweaks like more trees and seating planned. González confirmed the space has reached full consolidation, with minor adjustments ongoing as standard for such projects.

The day continued into the evening with family activities from 5pm to 7pm, including giant wooden games and interactive mini-golf by La Moixera. At 6pm, La Baldufa's itinerant street show *Zeppelin* toured the area. It closed at 9.30pm with a concert by Manu Guix and Elena Gadel, enhanced by sand art projections from artist Borja González.

While many attendees praised the renewed green spaces and lively atmosphere, some called for more shaded areas to cope with heatwaves and questioned value for money after costs rose above initial estimates. The event nonetheless affirmed the square's status as a communal heart.