Carpenter Alfons Dejuan Celebrates 100th Birthday in Andorra

Alfons Dejuan recently marked his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and fellow members of the Casal Calones social centre in Andorra la Vella.

Originally from a village in the Franja region of Aragon, bordering Catalonia, Dejuan first arrived in Andorra in August 1958 as a carpenter. A work colleague had invited him to help set up a new workshop. He stayed until November, when cold weather halted outdoor work. "I went back and told my friend it had been good, but Andorra wasn't for me," he recalled.

That initial reluctance soon faded. His friend persisted with invitations to join the permanent workshop project, and Dejuan returned—this time with his wife and their six-year-old son. The attractive job offer made the family relocation worthwhile, and they settled in the Principat for good.

Over the decades, Dejuan witnessed Andorra's shift from a rural, agriculture-based society to a booming modern economy. As a carpenter, he contributed to numerous chalet constructions and other building projects through his workshop.

Yet his story emphasises personal connections over professional achievements. "I've been lucky. I've been friends with everyone," he said. A daily fixture at the Casal Calones, he values the warmth of companionship there. "I'm very family-oriented, and if there's a bit of affection for me, that's huge. I prefer that to money, because giving someone a hug, making them happy, and drawing a smile—that's the best thing you can do in life."

Dejuan credits his longevity to such human bonds, along with a pledge to his father, who also reached 100 before passing away. "He made me promise I'd try to get there too. And look, I've managed it so far."