Sant Julià de Lòria's Festa Major Draws Crowds for Traditional Dances and Marratxa

Sant Julià de Lòria's main square reached full capacity again on Monday for a packed programme of traditional dances during the parish's summer festival.

Hundreds of locals and visitors filled Plaça Major in the afternoon for one of the most emblematic days of the Festa Major, featuring giants, bigheads, the Esbart Laurèdia dance group's performances and, above all, the Ball de la Marratxa. The morning Passa set the festive tone, with crowds gathering shortly before 6pm to secure spots for the eagerly awaited events.

Performances kicked off with the Ball de la Dama Blanca and the rei Moro, followed by the Esbart Laurèdia's shows. The group introduced new choreography this year, including "La taverna" by its veteran dancers and "El peix barato" with tambourines and castanets. The bastoners then performed a routine with special significance after their recent tour alongside the Catalan group Buhos, which took them to stages across Catalonia and promoted Sant Julià de Lòria's folk culture beyond Andorra's borders.

Anticipation peaked for the Ball de la Marratxa, with cheers erupting even before the dancers took the floor. The crowd followed every step intently, bursting into prolonged applause at the end and reaffirming its status as a key symbol of the festival.

Evening concerts promise one of the most crowded nights yet, starting with Catalan band Mishima at 8pm, followed by La Fúmiga at 11.30pm in collaboration with the Esbart Laurèdia bastoners. A discomòbil party follows at 1am, featuring DJ Pau Salarich and saxophonist Roc Badia.

Consell major Cerni Cairat praised the festival's progress, crediting its appeal to a programme covering cultural and sports activities for all ages. "It has gone as it should. People are very happy with our Festa Major and the entire line-up," he said.

The festivities conclude Tuesday with the local talent contest final, the theatre show Antipasti, traditional havaneres songs, fireworks and concerts by the Welcome Band orchestra and cover band Band The Cool.