Sant Julià Mayor Urges Festive Respect After Encamp Disturbances

Sant Julià de Lòria's mayor, Cerni Cairat, has given a positive assessment of the parish's main festival after three days, praising daytime cultural, traditional, leisure, and sports activities while calling for sensible enjoyment over the final two days.

With celebrations running until Tuesday after starting last week, Cairat highlighted smooth progress overall. "The festival is much more than nighttime concerts, and in these three days, everything has gone wonderfully," he said, noting that minor incidents of the kind seen annually have occurred but none noteworthy.

In response to Andorran Head of Government Xavier Espot's recent suggestion that parishes review festival schedules or alcohol sales to curb late-night trouble, Cairat signalled willingness to cooperate. Measures to calm or reduce such incidents, particularly in the early hours, deserve consideration, he said. "If needed, we will contribute our perspective, knowledge, and experience to help as much as possible. We are open to discussing it," Cairat added.

Security remains aligned with standard protocols from previous years, including police, private guards near bars, and traffic agents at sites like Plaça de la Germandat and the fairgrounds. Cairat stressed a message of tranquillity and trust, insisting that attendees prioritise festivity. "Four troublemakers cannot ruin the major festivals," he said previously.

The remarks follow disturbances at Encamp's festival, though Cairat has cited incident-free events elsewhere, including Canillo, Escaldes-Engordany's nighttime gatherings, and rosers in La Massana and Ordino. Heat measures feature fans, hats, and additional water points. Andorra la Vella's mayor, Sergi Gónzalez, has taken a similar stance without extra steps.

The council is advancing body-worn camera use for traffic agents in targeted scenarios, with privacy protections. Cairat voiced confidence in residents to ensure a peaceful close.