Hysteriofunk Launches Andorra la Vella's Festa Major with Responsible Festivities Call

Hysteriofunk launched Andorra la Vella's Festa Major with the opening pregó from the comú balcony on Friday morning, as officials called for responsibility amid expanded programming and robust security.

Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada expressed satisfaction with the pre-festa activities, including Thursday's nit andorrana featuring music from Els Senyora and Freyja, sports events, and a children's pregó with a parade for young participants. She described these as "a complete success" that previewed the main event's inclusive spirit. "We want the festa major to be for everyone, with all feeling represented," Losada said, noting responses to community requests like a revived havaneres session for seniors.

Ahead of the pregó, Losada urged attendees to enjoy the celebrations "with seny and a lot of responsibility." She stressed that beyond security devices, the priority is personal accountability: "More than devices, we want people to have seny. If everyone has seny, everyone can enjoy the festa major." Officials anticipate high participation, with concerts drawing over 3,000 people, and have coordinated with traffic agents, police, firefighters, and paramedics to treat it as a mass event—ensuring emergency access despite the crowds.

To address expected high temperatures, organisers have set up shaded spaces at the Centre de Congressos, prioritising vulnerable groups but open to all, especially for the arrossada meal. Losada said this mirrors adaptations used at the Festa del Poble and Sant Joan, positioning the venue as a climate refuge.

The five members of Hysteriofunk, dressed as consellers, performed from the balcony, weaving band history—from early rehearsals at Festa del Poble sites—with songs advocating for better spaces for local groups. They also raised concerns over housing pressures and environmental impacts. The Esbart Dansaire de la Festa del Poble followed with the Dansa del Pregó.

Saturday's programme features the medieval giants' dance at 12:30pm in Plaça del Consell General, castellers at 4pm in Plaça Príncep Benlloch, giants' planting and parade from 6pm at Plaça de la Rotonda, and concerts by Celtas Cortos and The Tyets from 11pm in Plaça Guillemó.