Ordino's Geografies Cultural Cycle Spotlights Senegal to Mark 20 Years of Andorra Ties

Ordino's Geografies cultural cycle, running from May 4 to 9, will focus on Senegal to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations with Andorra. Jointly organised by the Ordino parish council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event marks the second time an African country has been featured, following Morocco some years ago. All activities are free, though workshops and some sessions require advance registration due to limited spaces. Full details are on the Ordino parish website and www.geografies.ad.

The programme opens on May 4 at 6:30pm at Era del Raser with an inauguration attended by Ordino's senior consul Maria del Mar Coma, Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor, and Senegalese representatives. This will be followed by the lecture "Senegal: An African Exception?" by Abdou Mawa Ndiaye Ndaw, which examines the country's nation-building around the motto "One people, one goal, one faith" from historical and social perspectives.

On May 5 at 7pm, historian Eduard Gargallo will present "Negritude and the Claiming of African Cultures," delving into the cultural and political movement. May 6 at 7pm brings a roundtable, "Women in Senegal: From Mariama Bâ's Work to the Present," with Aïssata M’ballo Diao and Déguène Seck exploring female perspectives in Senegalese literature and society.

Content coordinator Albert Padrol said the edition seeks to present a contemporary Senegal, distancing itself from stereotypical or folkloric views prevalent in Western perceptions. Education, Culture, Youth and Social Welfare councillor Mònica Armengol described Geografies as "a window open to the world from Ordino," aiming to foster curiosity, respect, and critical thinking through accessible activities that highlight the country's dynamic social, historical, and artistic realities.

The lineup continues on May 7 at 7pm with a live podcast, "Contemporary Music of Senegambia," led by Baharu Dembaga on emerging music scenes. On May 8 at 11am, the film *Xodou* screens with an introduction by Saïba Bayo, a specialist in contemporary African thought.

The cycle concludes on May 9 with a 10am cooking workshop, "Senegalese Cuisine," at Casa Pairal, where Naisà Kaba will guide participants in preparing traditional recipes, and an 11am dance session, "Kai Fecci: Come Dance in Wolof," at Era del Raser, led by Anna Mbengue, Marianne Mbengue, and Nsubba Traoré for an immersion in Senegalese rhythms.

Director of Bilateral and Consular Affairs Maira López highlighted Andorra's Senegalese community of 45 residents, expressing hope that they and the wider public will participate.