Ordino and Encamp Revive Easter Caramelles Processions with Music and Tradition

Ordino held its annual Easter caramelles procession on Sunday under clear skies, with around 20 singers from Coral Casamanya filling the parish's historic streets with music. Starting at noon from Plaça Major in front of the comú, the group performed four pieces—two waltzes, the sardana *La Grandalla*, and the national anthem *El Gran Carlemany*—while touring carrer del Mig, placeta del Pajó, and Segudet. One member collected voluntary donations in a basket, echoing the medieval custom of gathering eggs for a shared fritter feast, now adapted to cash contributions.

Coral director Josep Puig described the day's festive mood, noting the singers' goal to let people "sing and enjoy" their songs. He emphasized the tradition's itinerant nature but pointed to recruitment hurdles, as modern music tastes deter younger participants. The inclusion of one young singer brought optimism, with Puig stressing family involvement: children of past members are more likely to join. Originating in medieval Easter rites celebrating resurrection and spring, the practice later gained popularity through Anselm Clavé's romantic adaptations, often performed by young men for women.

Cònsol menor Eduard Betriu and consellera general Berna Coma attended alongside residents, tourists, and visitors, who showed strong support. The event reinforces Ordino's role in preserving caramelles, alongside Sant Julià de Lòria and emerging revivals elsewhere.

In Encamp, the Sant Romà de les Bons festival on Easter Monday solidified its return for a second year, driven by 15 to 20 young singers in traditional dress, led by caramellaire major Bernat Sánchez and menor Pau Mortés. After a solemn mass in the 12th-century Romanesque-Lombard church—consecrated in 1164 with a single nave, semicircular apse, Gothic fresco reproductions, and original doorway—they sang pieces including *La Pepa d’Andorra - Les ninetes d’Ordino*, *La Fhasa*, and *El Gran Carlemany*, drawing applause from crowds.

The day featured laurel leaf distribution with donation collections, a communal breakfast, and sardana dancing that united les Bons locals with the wider parish. Culture, Childhood, and Youth councillor Joan Sans welcomed the growth since the 2019 pandemic pause, citing rising volunteers, good weather, and comú backing. "There is youth in Encamp eager for tradition. We showed it last year, and this year we are an even bigger group," he said. Mortés, drawing from family heritage—his grandfather sang as a youth—predicted longevity, with plans to rotate age groups for broader youth involvement and ensure handover to new generations.