Thousands attended the charity market in Escaldes-Engordany, where raffles and auctions of local food

The Sant Antoni Encants at the Candelera festival in Escaldes-Engordany raised €4,005 for Càritas Parroquial, drawing thousands to Plaça de l'Església de Sant Pere Màrtir on Sunday.

Organizers sold more than 1,400 raffle tickets at €5 each through 23 local businesses—seven of which contributed products—plus the tourist office, seniors' home, and CAEE. Tickets were available in advance and on-site. The highlight was auctions and raffles for 13 baskets of local specialties, such as pork sausages, botifarra, duck pâté, coques masegades, coques de greixons, orelletes, honey jars, jams, coca de llardons, kilo loaves, chopping boards, ratafia bottles, and an escudella stew kit. Special lots included one from historic district shops and two Candelera-themed baskets. Bids started based on basket size, with none selling for less than €350; communal councillor Ramon Tena won one for €400 amid competitive bidding.

Antoni Vidal, a longtime local resident hosting for about 15 years, led the event with quick counts, bidder teasing, and poem threats to drive higher offers. He recited verses, including one from a Spanish Republican exile in Andorra ending with a wish to carry Andorran soil into eternity. Children drew raffle winners for nearly half the lots, while others sparked bidding battles. Vidal noted changes over time: fewer families now compete fiercely compared to past years when lots came from pig slaughters.

Performers from Esbart Santa Anna, across all ages, presented dances like Ball a la plaça and Marieta cistellera between segments, earning loud applause. Cònsol Rosa Gili opened the event, thanking businesses, participants, and the dance group. She highlighted last year's €4,515 total—18% in cash—and praised such traditions for strengthening community bonds.

The afternoon ended with an aperitif for all. It coincided with the parish council's open house at the new church square, where visitors toured two soon-to-open spaces aimed at restaurants to boost the historic area's economy and social life. Works finish by early March, followed by a concession tender.

Regular attendee Maria Zunila called the crowd "marvellous," adding she comes yearly. Nerea agreed, saying traditions preserve the parish's identity.

All funds support Càritas Parroquial's local efforts.