Nearly 100 Attend Encamp's Traditional Sant Jaume Chapel Gathering in Andorra

Nearly 100 people attended Encamp parish's second traditional gathering of the year at the remote Sant Jaume dels Cortals chapel on 1 May, with good weather boosting turnout for the mass, aperitifs and sardana dancing.

The event—one of five annual aplecs—drew villagers and Cortals residents despite the site's high mountain location, aided by a special bus service. Culture Councillor Joan Sans described the chapel, built 27 years ago after services shifted from a higher spot, as having strong appeal thanks to its large front window, separate bell tower and forest integration. "Sant Jaume has a power of attraction that pulls more than other gatherings," he said, noting attendance exceeded last year's but matched some prior events. Sans called it a "magical moment of encounter" between villagers and Cortals locals.

He was accompanied by councillors Andreu Riba and Sabrina Torres, as well as Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres and Finance Minister Ramon Lladós, both from the parish. Mossèn Vargas officiated the mass, recalling Spain's major blackout a year earlier as a prompt to cut dependence on networks and mobiles in favour of direct talk. He also condemned the war's toll on children.

Participants then enjoyed sweet and savoury aperitifs before a sardana circle in the unique Cortals setting. Sans emphasised keeping the tradition alive, saying each gathering is itself a celebration, with no special plans flagged for the chapel's 30th anniversary. The next aplec falls at Sant Romà de Vila on Pentecost Monday.