32nd Els Pastorets Triumphs in Outdoor Andorran Performances

Co-directors Txell Díaz and Núria Montes have hailed the 32nd edition of *Els Pastorets* as a triumph, with the production wrapping up successfully on Tuesday in Sant Julià de Lòria after four outdoor performances at Casa Comuna. The shows on 26 and 28 December, plus 4 and 6 January, drew strong crowds of 700 to 800 people per session despite cold weather, which favoured the earlier 6pm slot over the 8pm one. Local culture councillor Teresa Areny expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the refined staging, noting it built on last year's debut by consolidating ideas with the same cast and introducing fresh creative elements.

The outdoor format at Casa Comuna—adopted for the second year due to the unavailability of the Claror auditorium at Centre Cultural Lauredià—allowed Díaz and Montes to polish concepts first tested two years ago. Ahead of the third show on Saturday, they told reporters the repeat venue provided stability to deepen work with actors, technicians, and themselves. Montes described it as adding "the cherry on top" to their initial efforts, while Díaz called the space "very special and emblematic," praising full access granted by Andorra la Vella authorities.

Set in early 20th-century Andorra, the adaptation of Josep Maria Folch i Torres's script wove in local characters and details while keeping the plot intact. Highlights included revived esbart-style dances, a Pyrenean-infused Furies song, and expanded Chinese shadow puppetry using simple bedsheets and cardboard to shift familiar surroundings for 45 minutes. Díaz highlighted its visual power in scenes like the Annunciation, turned into a living tableau, while Montes pointed to Pere Botero's cauldrons, where rudimentary props evoked a new legend in fairy-tale style. Subtle script tweaks modernised elements, such as swapping some male roles for female or having Mary select Joseph in the wedding scene. "The story is what it is, and people like it respected," Díaz said.

Involving about 100 mostly volunteer participants, the production emphasised community ties. Montes called coordination "a challenge and a great responsibility," eased by their long collaboration, and Díaz stressed respecting volunteers' time. Areny noted significant evolution, with shadows gaining prominence as a standout feature impossible to replicate indoors. She hopes the 2026 edition can return to the Claror auditorium, expected ready by spring, though plans remain cautious. Meanwhile, Casa Comuna's outdoor areas will host future cultural events.

Díaz had urged viewers to attend the final open-air shows, calling it a unique experience with heaters despite the chill. The closing act earned loud applause, confirming the run's success.