Pas de la Casa Invites French Road Crews to Sant Antoni Festival Amid Border Tensions

The Pas de la Casa parish kicked off its traditional Sant Antoni festival with the customary escudella communal meal, prompting local columnist Helena Anillo to question whether French road maintenance officials should also receive an invitation.

In her vignette published on 14 January 2026, Anillo highlighted the event as the opening shot for the festivities in the border parish. She suggested extending the gesture to those responsible for French highway upkeep, amid ongoing cross-border tensions.

This comes as Encamp parish, which oversees Pas de la Casa, has formally urged France not to close the border crossing so early in the evenings. The request reflects persistent concerns over access and mobility in the ski resort area, especially during winter.

The light-hearted commentary arrives against a backdrop of recent weather-related challenges, including 20 fines issued for failing to use required snow equipment during the Goretti storm. Separately, trending local stories include the pursuit and arrest of thieves stealing glasses and clothing, a serious avalanche injury near the Balma piste at Arcalís involving a station worker, and an investigation into the incident.

Anillo's piece also nods to broader parish dynamics, with urban growth halted in 2025 despite a December uptick, and political debates over electoral system changes due to risks of council fragmentation.