September 8 - Meritxell Day of Andorra

Meritxell Day, celebrated every September 8th, is one of the most significant dates on the Andorran calendar. The festival, dedicated to the Virgin of Meritxell, patron saint of the Principality, combines religiosity, tradition, and popular culture in a unique mountain setting. Declared a national holiday, the day invites visitors to discover the country's identity firsthand and enjoy an authentic experience in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is celebrated with an almost complete pause from everyday activity and an atmosphere of contemplation that extends to all the parishes, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the country's identity firsthand and enjoy an authentic experience in the heart of the Pyrenees.

The main events take place at the Sanctuary of Meritxell, where solemn masses and gatherings of pilgrims from all the parishes are held. The culminating moment is the solemn concelebrated service, presided over by the Archbishop of Urgell and Co-Prince of Andorra, and accompanied by the traditional hymn of joy. The ceremonies, full of symbolism, attract both the faithful and visitors who wish to experience the spiritual essence of Andorra.

Visit the Meritxell Sanctuary!

The Meritxell Sanctuary, located in Canillo, is a must-see for any traveler interested in Andorran culture and heritage.

The history of Meritxell reflects the Andorran people's devotion to their patron saint, the Virgin of Meritxell, venerated for centuries. The old chapel, of Romanesque origin and later transformed with Baroque elements in the 17th century, was long a center of pilgrimage and celebration, especially every September 8th. The tragic fire of 1972 completely destroyed it, but its reconstruction and the creation of the Meritxell Memory exhibition in 1994 kept the memory alive, turning the space into a collective and heritage symbol.

To continue Marian devotion, the new sanctuary, designed by architect Ricard Bofill, was inaugurated in 1976. The monumental work combines diverse styles and seeks to integrate architecture and landscape, creating a space of serenity and spirituality. Inside, a reproduction of the original Romanesque sculpture is venerated, and visitors can visit exhibitions such as Bibles from around the world and models of Andorran Romanesque churches. Thus, Meritxell consolidates itself not only as a religious center but also as a space of memory, culture, and identity for the people of Andorra.

Discover more about the Meritxell Sanctuary!