Andorra Constitution Open Doors Draw Record 2,200 Visitors

Casa de la Vall and the Consell General drew more than 2,200 visitors during three days of open-door events from Friday afternoon to Sunday midday, marking the 33rd anniversary of Andorra's Constitution. The turnout exceeded projections of about 2,000 and last year's figure of 1,300 over two days with comparable hours. Casa de la Vall recorded 1,202 attendees, while the Consell General site had 1,030. The peak came Saturday afternoon, with 1,376 visitors across both locations.

Síndic General Carles Ensenyat called the response a clear triumph, emphasising that most participants were local residents attracted by the recent renovation after a long closure. He noted growing word-of-mouth interest since the December 22 reopening, turning visits into an annual custom. "The open doors went very well and the figure is very important," Ensenyat said, tying the success to efforts promoting transparency and public engagement with the institution's role in popular sovereignty.

Friday targeted school groups with Consell General tours of the hemicycle, where children could sit as consellers generals, plus workshops on Andorran identity featuring crafts, flag-themed face painting, hat decorations, origami with historical trivia, quizzes and a snack of coca and chocolate. Subsíndica Sandra Codina greeted arrivals in the entrance hall, stressing the pedagogical focus amid efforts to foster "Andorranitat." That afternoon at Casa de la Vall, around 40 people joined two guided tours, with 20 more on self-guided walks through refreshed spaces including the main entrance, traditional síndic office, Consell chamber, kitchen and Sala dels Passos Perduts. Curiosity centred on items like the first national flag, seven-key cupboard, six-key chest, silverware and session bell.

Saturday offered a formal session, reception, aperitif and free access, drawing the biggest crowds. Castellers d'Andorra and Castellers de Mediona built towers and pillars in Plaça del Consell General for roughly 100 spectators, followed by raising the tricolour flag on the parliament facade. Visitors accessed Consell General areas such as síndic and subsíndica offices, parliamentary group rooms, secretariat, registry and hemicycle rostrum, with highlights including a NASA-gifted Andorran flag—altered with a rocket replacing the mitre after orbiting the Moon on an Apollo flight—displayed in the síndic's office.

Sunday wrapped up with open access, a Grossband performance and sardanes by Cobla La Moreneta, all moved indoors to the Consell General vestibule due to a wind alert and low temperatures from the Servei Meteorològic d'Andorra. Minister Conxita Marsol attended, maintaining a festive mood.

Attendees hailed from Valencia, Sweden, Barcelona, Asia and Latin America, often citing the upgrades and institutional interest. Locals predominated, many praising the Casa de la Vall revamp despite free access since reopening. A Valencian visitor learned of the event at a cafeteria en route to Caldea; a Barcelona pair makes a habit of touring national parliaments. Museus d'Andorra led guided tours on both sites' histories and the Consell General's functions, alongside week-long programming like Enric Fossas's lecture and a roundtable on the constituent process. Free entry at Casa de la Vall ended Sunday, with fees resuming Monday; Consell General access remains restricted outside such events.