Andorra Welcomes First Baby of 2026: Salvador Aníbal Torres Apablaza

Andorra's first baby of 2026, Salvador Aníbal Torres Apablaza, arrived at 4:53 a.m. on January 1 at Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital in Escaldes-Engordany. The newborn weighed 4.02 kilograms.

The parents, Chilean residents Juan Felipe Torres Maureira and Camila Anakena Apablaza Ahumada, have made their home in La Massana parish for six years. They chose the name to honour their roots: Salvador after former Chilean president Salvador Allende, and Aníbal for the paternal grandfather. The mother said they had no other option in mind from the start.

The couple expected the birth around Christmas, but labour progressed slowly and unexpectedly, leading to a cesarean section without issues. Both mother and baby are healthy and resting at the hospital. Camila shared that she fell in love the moment she held him, describing it as a beautiful way to start the year. As first-time parents, they are adjusting to life as a family of three, calling it the happiest day of their lives. They expressed pride in their son's Andorran birth, gratitude for the country's welcome, and high praise for the Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS) staff, rating their care a perfect 10.

Hospital staff delivered the customary gift basket with a plush toy and essentials. A delegation from FC Andorra visited, presenting a club bodysuit and announcing a new partnership with the hospital: all babies born in Andorra this year will receive a "Tricolor des de petit/a" outfit.

This early arrival outpaces recent years. In 2025, the first baby came just before 10 a.m.; in 2024, on January 3; and in 2023, on January 2. The 2022 and 2021 inaugural births both occurred in the early hours of January 1.