Hundreds Honor Andorran Artist Sergi Mas Balaguer at Funeral Mass in Sant Julià de Lòria

Sant Julià de Lòria held a funeral mass on Sunday, April 5, for artist Sergi Mas Balaguer, drawing hundreds to the Sant Julià and Sant Germà parish church at 10am to honor his 70-year career as sculptor, ceramist, painter, engraver, illustrator, and writer.

Family members, friends, cultural representatives, and officials packed the venue, including Culture and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell, Lauredian consuls Cerni Cairat and Sofia Cortessao, Canillo's senior consul Jordi Alcobé, territorial general councillors Maria Àngels Aché and Pol Bartolomé, and former head of government Albert Pintat. Attendees honored Mas's wish by wearing bright colors instead of black. Rector Mossèn Pepe Chisvert led the service, calling it a tribute to the artist's passion and describing him as one of Andorra's leading cultural icons. He highlighted Mas's devotion to the Virgin of Canòlich, his parish Via Crucis, a poster for the 800th anniversary of the patron saint's statue discovery, and his readiness to say "yes" to every request. Chisvert expressed gratitude for Mas's gifts and quipped that paradise would feature a showcase of his new creations.

Hèctor Mas, the artist's grandson and filmmaker who chronicled his work, delivered a short eulogy. He portrayed Mas as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and especially a teacher whose vast output shaped Andorrans as individuals, a community, and a nation. Hèctor described the day as both sorrowful and joyful, emphasizing that Mas endured "in spirit" through his art. Colla del Dijous members agreed, noting his creations would keep resonating beyond.

Iconic pieces flanked the entrance: the 1962 Lauredian caramelles poster, repurposed for the April 12 event; a drawing for Pastisseria El Cigne; and the 1983 Rei Moro and Dama Blanca giants, designed by Mas and built by Manel Casserras in Solsona for debut at Fira del Roser. The ceremony included music and closed with the coffin carried out to a rendition of "Em dones força" from TV3's La Marató.

The parish had proclaimed Sunday a day of communal mourning via a Thursday BOPA edict, after Mas's death on Tuesday at age 95 following fragile health. Outdoor public building flags flew at half-mast, indoor ones bore black crepe, and non-funeral public events paused. The council lauded his enduring mark on the parish and nation, with works illuminating Andorra's roots and essence. His passing stirred widespread emotion, particularly locally. Born in Barcelona in 1930 and settled in Andorra from the late 1950s via his Aixovall workshop, Mas earned honors like the Orde de Carlemany for pieces including the post-1972 Meritxell Virgin reproduction and Casa de la Vall furniture. Recently, his mural at the former Aigües d'Arinsal factory survived a fire, seen as a testament to his legacy.