Cirque du Soleil Launches Ràdio Andorra Show with Sold-Out Première

Cirque du Soleil launched its Andorra-exclusive production Ràdio Andorra on Friday evening, drawing nearly 3,000 spectators to a sold-out première that paid tribute to the post-World War II radio station famous across Europe.

Hundreds gathered around the big top in Andorra la Vella beforehand, with crowds filling the venue and posing for photos with performers. The opening drew strong anticipation as one of the summer's highlight events. This year's tent holds 3,150 per show, down from 3,500 in prior seasons after removing hard-to-view sections to expand the stage width for better visibility.

The performance weaves acrobatics, live music, and a storyline from listener letters sent to Ràdio Andorra starting in the 1940s, requesting favorite tracks. It centers on two strangers, separated by thousands of kilometers, who request the same song simultaneously. The coincidence propels them on a European journey ending in Andorra, with live singers voicing the radio and tap dancers portraying airwaves. A new magic act also featured prominently, alongside the company's signature acrobatics.

Tourism and Trade Minister Jordi Torres called it "a unique show this year, and probably the one most linked to our national identity" during the inaugural cocktail. He credited the station as "the Principality's first major international showcase," spreading Andorra's name far beyond its borders.

Twenty-two shows run through 2 August, Tuesday to Saturday plus a final Sunday session. Since 2013, nearly one million people have seen Cirque du Soleil's Andorra-tailored productions. Andorra Turisme director general Betim Budzaku said the partnership has been "decisive" in making July a peak tourism month, with overnight stays rising 119% from about 175,000 in 2013 to over 383,000 last year. Tickets have sold to audiences from 44 nationalities.