Andorra la Vella Hosts Eighth Petit Santa Claus Race in Central Square

Andorra la Vella marked the eighth edition of the Petit Santa Claus Race on Saturday, its first time at Plaça del Poble, where around 150 children under 10 took part in age-adapted runs amid a packed day of Christmas festivities.

Organised by the Comú d'Andorra la Vella's Sports Department, the event moved from its traditional spots at Estadi Comunal or Parc Central to the capital's central square. Sports technician Laura Baró explained that races were divided by birth year into 12 groups, covering ages from newborns to 10-year-olds. The youngest covered 30 metres, while older children ran longer loops incorporating the Rosa Ferrer footbridge and returning through the square.

The morning's athletic focus quickly blended into broader holiday cheer. Every participant picked up a commemorative cup, a gift, and chocolate. Right after the races, children could join in the "cagada del tió"—a traditional Catalan custom where the log "poops" small presents—allowing willing kids to take home extra treats before heading off.

The day's energy extended into the afternoon along Avinguda Meritxell, where the giant orange dog puppet "Peluix" from Efímer theatre company made its annual slow stroll through the commercial hub, captivating families. This came as the Poblet de Nadal village had already been animating the parish for days, with more itinerant shows and activities planned over the coming weekends.

The lineup highlighted the parish's push to infuse the city centre with pre-Christmas spirit, blending sport, tradition, and spectacle for all ages while sustaining participation levels seen in prior years.