Andorra Launches Eixivern: First Gathering of Catalan Content Creators

Andorra's Language Policy department has launched Eixivern, the country's first gathering of Catalan-speaking content creators, set for 21 February at Unsquare Studio in Andorra la Vella. The free event coincides with International Mother Tongue Day and seeks to promote Catalan on social media by connecting established creators with newcomers and the public.

Minister Mònica Bonell, overseeing Language Policy, Culture, Youth and Sports, and department director Joan Sans outlined the initiative at a recent press conference. Bonell emphasised showing young people that Catalan content can build large followings and succeed online, underscoring social media's centrality in youth culture and the need for institutional support to secure space for a minority language digitally. Sans noted that creators themselves will drive discussions on the language's online challenges and opportunities, drawing inspiration from the successful Balearic Islands event Aferrada.

The event splits into two parts. A morning workshop from 10am targets 20 experienced Catalan creators for closed technical debates, real-world insights, hurdles and growth strategies. It will be led by comedian Mohamed Lamine (@Wizproblema), Andorran Press Association reporter Nerea San Félix (@nereasanfe or @Nereasanfe) from TV3's APM, and food creator Laura Zurriaga (@croquetadexocolata). Organisers are inviting prominent Andorran influencers producing in Spanish, such as ElRubius and TheGrefg, to highlight Catalan's digital viability.

From 4.30pm, an open afternoon session accommodates around 100 people in a more accessible format, streamed live on the department's YouTube channel. It aims to inspire networks and curiosity among those interested in content creation.

Eixivern stems from a May 2025 public tender for a standard promotion campaign, awarded to Duett Studio SLU for 32,544.32 euros. The selected proposal shifted to this in-person gathering, supplemented by a publicity drive from 12 January to 20 February. It aligns with the 2024 Official Language Law and National Action Plan for the Language, prioritising digital promotion. Registration remains open at govern.ad/eixivern.

At the same conference, Sans shared 2025 enforcement data: the department received 100 complaints of language law violations, leading to 54 administrative files, mostly for signage, commercial names and advertising failures. Two resulted in 1,201-euro fines—one against a hotel lacking Catalan forms, another a restaurant not ensuring Catalan service after correction deadlines. Eleven cases closed favourably after fixes; nine were archived. The rest are pending, with potential for further penalties. Bonell confirmed no residence permit renewals have been denied for failing the A1 Catalan requirement, though exemptions and course attendance are common.