Andorra's Essential Workers Gear Up for Busy New Year's Eve

Essential workers in Andorra are preparing for a busy New Year's Eve shift, balancing heightened demands with brief moments of camaraderie amid family nostalgia.

Police, firefighters, healthcare staff, traffic agents, and hospitality workers describe the night of December 31 as one of increased activity, driven by crowds, alcohol, vehicles, and festive chaos. Bruno Lasne, director of the Andorran Police, will remain on call tonight despite not patrolling. He recalls past shifts as lively periods when people head out to enjoy time with friends and family. "We knew when joining the profession that we'd miss holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Three Kings at home," he said, noting officers always approach such nights with empathy for revellers. Tonight, around 30 police officers will be active, with some on the streets while others monitor calls, radios, and traffic cameras at headquarters. A small office celebration occurs, depending on public alerts.

At the SAAS emergency service, Ivet Ruiz, head of urgencies, acknowledges the personal sacrifice of missing family dinners and midnight chimes. "It's not easy to be away from home on such a special night," she said. Staff share simple toasts if work allows, fostering a team spirit. Patients sometimes arrive with grapes or party accessories, their emotions heightened by treatment on the holiday.

Hospitality faces peak pressure during Andorra's high season. Robert, a bartender at a capital hotel, expects more work and urges client patience amid the rush. He plans a quick 15-minute grape toast with colleagues. Antonio de Barros, head waiter at Hotel Guillem in Encamp, has worked every New Year's Eve since 1990. The hardest part is missing family, though guests appreciate the service. "We're always too busy for midnight chimes," he said, recalling a chaotic year when the restaurant ran out of wine.

Traffic and towing services see action ramp up after 1am, with drink-driving, bad weather, and ice complicating matters. Carles Bozzo, now head of Circulation and Citizen Attention, once covered 12 such nights. Families adapt by celebrating on off-days, he said.

Firefighters, led by shift chief Marc Rogé at Santa Coloma station, will have 19 personnel nationwide, starting at 8pm. They prepare shared meals but expect interruptions from alcohol-related calls and crowds. "Work comes first," Rogé said; past years have seen dinners delayed until 5am.

Traffic agents like Bagdad Euali in Ordino and Pere Almeida in Canillo emphasise safety and vigilance from 10pm to 6am. They work in pairs, monitor parking leniency where safe, and collaborate with police on vandalism. "It's vocational to serve on holidays," Euali said, proud to ensure safe celebrations despite missing family.