Escaldes-Engordany Festival Boosts Security for July 22-26 Celebrations

Escaldes-Engordany will host its major festival from July 22 to 26, with enhanced security measures prompted by recent incidents in other parishes, including an assault on General Councillor Pere Marsenyach by a group of youths in Encamp.

Comú officials and Unió ProTurisme d’Escaldes-Engordany (UPTEE) have increased patrols from traffic services, added private security personnel, and stationed more staff at key access points, particularly around the Veedors car park where main concerts will take place. Minor Consol Quim Dolsa emphasised that the parish has seen no major issues in past editions beyond occasional damage from overindulgence, but proactive steps aim to ensure a safe environment. “We want this to be a day of gathering and celebration,” he said, urging attendees to show civic responsibility.

UPTEE president Jaume Ambor noted that entry controls, introduced last year to prevent street drinking gatherings, will continue. A board member will patrol overnight, ready to alert authorities to any problems. Four police vans will be on site for rapid response. The event will feature a Purple Point operated by the Red Cross, with three board members trained to handle harassment or sexist violence cases.

Around 200 young volunteers will assist operations. The five-day programme caters to all ages and residents, blending tradition and modernity. Highlights include the Catalan group 31 FAM on July 22 at 11pm, Tribut Canet Rock on July 23 at 11pm, and Banda Neon on July 25 at 11pm, all at Veedors car park. DJ sets by Marc Montalvo will run into the early hours on several nights.

A new stage in Plaça de l’Església launches the “Joves Promeses” space for emerging local artists, with performances on July 25 at noon and other days. The festival opens July 22 at 5:15pm with bell ringing and fireworks, followed by the pregó speech and market inauguration on Avinguda de les Nacions Unides. Food trucks relocate to the former tennis courts at Prat del Roure, surrounded by greenery, with daily fire shows.

Family activities feature prominently: children’s workshops, foam parties, water slides, a family padel tournament on July 25 from 10am, and a giant correbars with 200 youths on July 24. Traditional elements include masses for patrons Sant Jaume on July 25 at 9am and Santa Anna on July 26 at noon, plus dances and sardanes.

Saturday July 25 offers zumba fluor, a 90s music retro night, and tourist day events. Sunday closes with a beer tasting by Estrella Galicia from 7pm, fireworks at 10:30pm, and final concerts. The pre-festival kicks off July 18 with Esbart Santa Anna at Prat del Roure.

Uncertainty surrounds future use of the privately owned Veedors site. Officials are eyeing communal green spaces, like Prat del Roure, for upcoming events to host the festival “at home.”