Andorra la Vella's Consòrcia de Casats Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Ash Wednesday Lunch

Andorra la Vella's Consòrcia de Casats marked its 250th anniversary with a traditional Ash Wednesday lunch on Saturday, blending solemn commemoration and communal brotherhood.

The day's events opened at 12:45pm with a mass at Sant Esteve church. Members then posed for their annual group photo at 3:15pm on the steps of the Casa de la Vall, a ritual repeated yearly. The gathering moved to the Congress Centre for the meal in the hall named after the Consòrcia. Inside, three historic photos from 1946, 1982, and 2008 traced the institution's timeline, prompting nostalgic reflections among attendees. One member noted that some figures in the oldest image had passed away, while others shared memories of Andorra's transformations over decades.

Around 80 participants attended, including Cònsol Major Sergi Gonzalez and Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada. Ton Armengol, the Consòrcia's consòl major, highlighted its longevity, dating back to a time before the United States existed and positioning it among Andorra's oldest institutions. He expressed pride in reuniting members after the mass and photo to share a meal, memories, and future plans.

Before the Lenten menu of escudella de congre, bacallà with escarola, and peaches in syrup, the comú unveiled a commemorative plaque recognising the Consòrcia's trajectory, commitment, and ongoing contributions. Gonzalez remarked that few could claim to celebrate 250 years, calling it a joy to join the event.

Attendees, including an 80-year-old member who recalled the entity's early days and others returning after years away, savoured the occasion amid conversations and a sense of enduring belonging. The Consòrcia de Casats d’Andorra la Vella remains one of the principality's longstanding traditional organisations.