Meritxell la patrona Spectacle Boosts Capacity to 300 Amid Sellout Demand

Organisers of the spectacle Meritxell, la patrona have increased capacity by 50 seats for each of its two performances on 12 September at the Santuari de Meritxell cloister, bringing the total to 300 spectators per session despite a waiting list of 200 people.

Originally limited to 250 attendees per show—at 7pm and 9pm—tickets sold out within 24 hours of opening reservations. The Associació Contradans, which is staging the event, has urged those with bookings to release them if they cannot attend, allowing spots to go to people on the waiting list in order of registration.

The production marks the 50th anniversary of the Santuari de Meritxell’s inauguration and features around 100 dancers from Andorra’s five traditional dance groups: Esbart Sant Romà, Esbart Valls del Nord, Esbart Dansaire d’Andorra la Vella, Esbart Laurèdia, and Esbart Santa Anna. Some 30 people handle organisation and technical aspects.

Rehearsals have intensified in recent days. The dance groups have practised their individual scenes over the summer, with joint sessions starting this Wednesday at Prat del Roure hall to refine the overall choreography, alongside costume fittings. Dancers work with the artistic director, lighting supervisor, and technicians, while musicians rehearse separately under Albert Gumí.

The music blends traditional, classical, modern, and experimental styles, with original compositions by Gumí, Lluís Cartes, and Bernat Torra. Performers include Trio Daura—Ivan Caro on flabiol, gralla, and viola de roda; Nina Planavila on accordion; and Robert Canela on flute—plus Elies Porter on violin and Mireia Planas on cello. Juanma Casero of Animal Teatre provides the artistic narrative thread, with lighting design by Jaime Pablo of Nova Galega Danza.

Contradans has coordinated closely with emergency and public services, including Protecció Civil, police, Canillo traffic management, firefighters, SAAS, industry, transport, Creu Roja, and the Ministry of Culture, to manage crowd arrival and the event itself.