Sant Julià de Lòria Relaunches Youth Centre as L’Espurna

Sant Julià de Lòria parish has relaunched its youth centre as L’Espurna, replacing the generic Espai Jove name with a youth-chosen identity and updated visuals to build stronger ties among local teens.

The space reopened Wednesday afternoon in Plaça de la Germandat amid a festive crowd enjoying graffiti workshops, skate sessions, a DJ set, and performances by the Colla Laurediana group. Parish councillor for social affairs Eva Ramos, joined by councillors Teresa Areny and Judith López, hosted the event, emphasising the goal of making "Vaig a l’Espurna" a common phrase among young people. The overhaul responded to users' calls for a more personal space, distinct from the broad "Espai Jove" label and the previous vivid colours introduced when ludoescola assumed management last summer.

Youths brainstormed names, settling on L’Espurna to symbolise energy, creativity, and fresh starts. Coordinator Joel Tomé, who programmes daily activities, said the teens drove the name change and hoped it would draw visitors from across Andorra through expanded offerings. No structural alterations were made; the centre remains an open hub in a former telephone building between medical clinics, managed by ludoescola with parish support.

Open to those aged 12 to 30—primarily secondary, vocational, or university students up to 18—it allows homework, games, events, or downtime. Around 200 are registered, with 20 typically visiting weekday afternoons. Attendance swells for special events, like a recent one with 60 participants, and peaks during school holidays such as Carnival or Easter.

A priority is increasing female participation, as boys currently outnumber girls. "We always invite them, but sometimes so many boys make them hesitant," Ramos said, describing it as a temporary phase that has reversed in the past. Organisers urge girls from the parish and beyond to join and shape the space, countering the lack of a local secondary school that often pulls teens to centres like Andorra la Vella or Escaldes-Engordany.