Andorra la Vella Hosts Third 'Troc' Fashion Swap Market on April 24-25 with Streamlined Token System

Andorra la Vella's third 'Troc' fashion and accessories swap market takes place on 24-25 April in the Consòrcia hall at the congress centre, featuring a streamlined valuation system with fixed token values per clothing category to accelerate exchanges and ensure broader participation.

Organizers from the capital's council and Andtropia have replaced previous variable ranges with set valuations, awarding more reusable plastic tokens per item. Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada said the changes aim to prevent anyone leaving empty-handed, adding flexibility through updated internal guidelines. Mercè Miguel, Andtropia's projects head, noted Saturday initiatives to encourage further circulation of garments and accessories, helping items find new homes.

The event divides into drop-off and exchange stages. Participants can bring up to five clean items—clothing or accessories, new, semi-new or used—on Friday 5pm-8pm and Saturday 10am-2pm, with spring-summer pieces receiving priority ratings. Exchanges run Saturday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm.

Previous editions show growing popularity. The first attracted 197 participants with 700 items; last year's exceeded 307 people, 1,400 pieces received and over 800 rehomed. Losada highlighted locals inquiring about dates as evidence of support for circular economy principles and responsible consumption.

About 15 volunteers, including youth from El Rusc, will handle operations following pre-event training. Losada praised the adult-youth collaboration for its effectiveness. A new on-site activity area allows attendees to create commemorative badges with volunteer assistance, replacing prior external workshops.

Unsuitable items go to textile recycling or charities, upholding the focus on extending clothing life and avoiding waste. Organizers emphasize this remains a pure swap space, not a second-hand market.