Andorran Seniors Win Carnival Prize with Satirical Bus Protest Parade

Around 600 people gathered at the Prat Gran pavilion in Escaldes-Engordany for an interparish carnival celebration aimed at seniors, featuring parades from groups across Andorra's parishes.

The event highlighted creative costumes and performances, with 125 participants dressed as characters including Charlots, Venetian gondoliers, and lively dancers. Organised by the Comú of Escaldes-Engordany, the gathering turned into a festive showcase of humour and community spirit.

Ordino's group of "padrines"—senior women—claimed the prize for most original parade. They dressed as L6 buses, a local transport line serving northern valleys, and performed a dance to lyrics criticising frequent route changes, confusing stops, and excessive transfers. Their cardboard bus costumes amplified complaints about cancelled halts without signage, unclear maps, and what they called "an inferno on wheels" rather than reliable service.

The performers, who previously campaigned to restore the original route, used the carnival's playful atmosphere to demand clearer stops, fewer transfers, and more logical paths. "We ask for no miracles or luxuries, just clear stops and less walking," their song concluded, blending satire with a call for improvements.

Judges awarded prizes across categories: best overall group to Sant Julià de Lòria; most engaging to Escaldes-Engordany; most elegant to Canillo; most fun to Encamp; best choreography to La Massana; and best costume to Andorra la Vella. Everyone received recognition, ensuring a joyful close to the afternoon's festivities.