Escaldes-Engordany Names Naiara García Barrio as Pubilla and Biel Molina Pérez as Hereu for 2026-2027

Escaldes-Engordany has named Naiara García Barrio as pubilla and Biel Molina Pérez as hereu for the 2026-2027 pubillatge, alongside hereuet Adrià López García, pubilleta Adriana Gomes Gonçalves, first dame of honour Irene de Nuzzo Guimil, and second dame Laia Moreno Ferris.

The proclamation occurred on Sunday in the communal hall's meeting room after rain forced a last-minute shift from the planned outdoor venues at Parc de la Mola or Prat del Roure. Around 200 people, including delegations from across Catalonia and Andorra, filled the space following a morning cercavila through parish streets. Cònsol Major Rosa Gili praised the quick reorganisation, noting the event's role in sustaining Catalan traditions through youth engagement and drawing visitors from afar. She expressed satisfaction at seeing the culture thrive with committed young people.

Comú councillor Maria Carriço, jury president, described the selection as "not at all easy" while revealing the names one by one. The outgoing representatives—pubilla Júlia Noguer, hereu Adrià Llobet, dames Yanira Fernández and Sandra Gómez, pubilleta Laia Rabassa, and hereuet Leonardo de Nuzzo—handed over sashes and bands following blessings by rector mossèn Toni Elvira, who also consecrated items for three additional hereus onstage.

Noguer delivered an emotional farewell, reflecting that the role evolved from a simple concept into lasting "experiences, people, bonds, and memories." She stressed that traditions endure only through those who believe in them and live them authentically. Llobet and Noguer recounted their intensive two-year term, which included visits to 136 Catalan localities. Llobet valued discovering unique village cultures beyond Andorra, while Noguer appreciated uncovering obscure communities and their customs, often collecting pins and emblems. Both urged young people to get involved.

The process began Friday with exams and interviews at the communal hall, attracting four pubilla candidates, two hereu hopefuls, three hereuets, and three pubilletes. Adults faced questions on Andorran history, parish traditions, popular culture, and an essay on the pubillatge's significance. Younger candidates answered age-appropriate queries about daily life, family, or hobbies; 10-year-old pubilleta candidate Chloe said she wanted to "represent my country" and showcase local customs.

Jaume Ambor, Unió Pro-Turisme president, explained that Saturday's official meals allowed the jury to evaluate character, favouring simplicity and responsibility. The panel comprised Carriço (this year's godmother), a villager, a business figure, former local pubillatge members, and the Foment del Pubillatge Català president. That day saw 114 participants, including 70 children at Pavelló del Prat Gran for a gymkhana, guided tours, sash blessings, an outgoing farewell, and gala dinner at Sala del Prat del Roure.

New hereu Molina, who sought to counter youth disconnection from roots, called the role an honour to represent Escaldes-Engordany and strengthen community ties. Pubilla García and dame candidate Alèxia Lorenzo, both from Esbart Santa Ana, highlighted their deep, lifelong parish culture involvement.

Ambor celebrated the youth commitment as essential for passing the tradition to the next generation. The group will serve until spring 2028.