Lenny Jay's Michael Jackson Tribute Draws 3,000 to Encamp's Festa del Poble

Lenny Jay's tribute to Michael Jackson attracted 3,000 people to Encamp's Prat Gran car park on Saturday night, packing the venue for the second evening of the Festa del Poble.

The Brazilian artist, leading the international production This is Michael, performed a set lasting more than 90 minutes that traced the pop star's career from his Jackson 5 beginnings to major solo hits. Jay started by displaying an Andorran flag and expressing thanks in Catalan, then delivered crowd favourites including Black or White, Earth Song, You Are Not Alone, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Heal the World, and We Are the Children. Spectators sang along during several numbers, especially the emotional Heal the World, and demanded encores like Beat It before a standing ovation.

Supported by live musicians, backing vocalists, and dancers, Jay replicated Jackson's iconic choreography from videos and concerts. He switched outfits between songs to echo originals, such as the white suit from Bad, the Jackson 5's colourful attire, and the red from Thriller, while the ensemble kept momentum with their routines during changes. The show surpassed Friday's performance by Suu and Triquell, appealing across generations and reinforcing Encamp's success with tributes to music legends—following last year's Freddie Mercury and Queen homage.

The day's events opened with the Encamp de Gresca dance, introduced to the festival in 2019, featuring three rounds: one by the Esbart Sant Romà's main group, another with local officials, and a public participation segment. Some 500 tickets for the following vermut and arrossada sold out. Afternoon activities comprised the Interparroquial youth gymkhana, havaneres, inflatables, a children's show by Atrapasomnis, the padel tournament final, covers by Band Idos, and a DJ set from Toni Peret.

Sunday's schedule includes a choral performance by groups from Encamp, La Massana, and Barcelona's Corazonistas at Santa Eulàlia church, the Crash Car event at Prada de Moles from 5pm, sardanes on Carrer Major from 6pm due to an orange high-temperature alert, Buhos at 11.30pm, DJ Trapella, and Mon DJ.

The festival concludes Monday, 22 July, with the Festapa in Plaça dels Arinsols from 6pm to 11pm. Sixteen local restaurants will offer sweet and savoury tapas, with a gastronomic passport for entrants to win a €100 meal for two at the top public-voted venue. Prizes cover €300 for the most popular tapa, €200 for the most creative as chosen by experts, and €120 for the best-seller.