Encamp Hosts 31st Sardana Dance Contest with 10 Catalan Groups
The 31st Concurs de Colles Sardanistes drew crowds to Plaça dels Arinsols despite summer heat. Officials emphasize its cultural ties between Andorra and Catalonia, economic impact, and plans for new weekly classes.
Key Points
- 10 dance groups from Catalonia, including Lleida and Terrassa, competed in veteran, large, and youth categories.
- Performances featured sardanes de lluïment, revessa, free-point, and germanor dances to cobla La Flama de Farners.
- Culture councillor Joan Sans calls Encamp 'sardana capital' of Andorra, boosting local economy with visitors.
- Weekly sardana classes start in September at Encamp sports complex, open to all ages.
Encamp's Plaça dels Arinsols served as the focal point for the 31st Concurs de Colles Sardanistes on Saturday, attracting 10 dance groups from Catalonia including Lleida, Ponts, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Terrassa, Valls, Vilanova de Bellpuig and Bellvís.
The veteran category featured Enèrgica, Encara hi som, Geltrunenca, Fonts de Valldans, Grup Sardanista Balàfia, Continuïtat and Flors d’Estiu. Large groups included Xalem i Amunt and Crits, while La Guineu Saltirona represented the youth category. Competitors performed sardanes de lluïment, a revessa piece, free-point dances and germanor routines, all accompanied by the cobla La Flama de Farners.
Held amid intense summer heat, the event filled the square with participants who sought shade during preparations. Culture councillor Joan Sans highlighted Encamp's status as "the capital of the sardana" in Andorra, noting the gathering's 37-year history as an aplec and its role in linking Andorran and Catalan communities.
Sans pointed out the economic benefits, with hotels and restaurants boosted by visitors who often stayed overnight, many accompanied by family. He added that no other local event matches this combination of aplec and scored contest.
Last year marked the competition's 30th anniversary alongside Encamp's designation as ciutat pubilla, prompting efforts to revive sardana activity across parishes. The Agrupació Sardanista d’Andorra la Vella has seen strong participation, though no new local group has formed yet.
Encamp will offer weekly Wednesday sardana classes starting in September at the sports complex, open to all ages in partnership with the Agrupació Sardanista d’Andorra. Sans called this an important next step for the tradition.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story: