Andorra Our Lady of Meritxell Day Date: September 8
Our Lady of Meritxell Day is a religious holiday in Andorra.
One of the most deeply-rooted traditions in Andorra is Our Lady of Meritxell Day – Patron Saint of Andorra, celebrated on 8 September every year since 1873. The celebration begins on the eve of that day with the Vetlla de la Verge. Like every year, the sanctuary opens its doors to welcome pilgrims who come to pay homage to Our Lady of Meritxell.
Andorra Our Lady of Meritxell Day History
Meritxell’s Sanctuary is made up of two churches: the old sanctuary and the new temple. The sanctuary is Romanesque, reformed and extended in the 17th century. It was destroyed by a fire on Our Lady of Meritxell Day in 1972. It currently holds the permanent exhibition Meritxell Memòria. In the late 12th century, on January 6, a wild rose in bloom was found by villagers from Meritxell going to Mass in Canillo. It was out of season and at its base was found a statue of the Virgin and Child. The statue was placed in the Canillo church. However, the statue was found under the same wild rose the next day.
The statue was taken to the church of Encamp. However, as before, the statue was found under the same wild rose the next day. As in similar legends elsewhere, the villagers of Meritxell took this as a sign and decided to build a new chapel in their town after they found an open space miraculously untouched by the winter snows. The exhibition reflects the feelings and memories of the celebrations and processions that took place before the fire. Some objects that survived the flames are also displayed, such as a forged steel grille from the 17th century or the sanctuary bell. The new sanctuary was designed by the Catalan architect Ricard Bofill in 1976. Here you can find a reproduction of the Romanesque virgin as well as sculptures of the seven patron saints of the parish churches in Andorra.
Andorra Our Lady of Meritxell Day Customs and Activities
Pilgrims from every corner of Andorra start off early in the morning and head towards the sanctuary to begin the celebration of the procession with their family or friends. Different
events take place that day, such as the Aurora Mass or the Young Mass, after which the first pilgrims enjoy a mid-morning snack all together. At midday there is a mass celebrated together with Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, episcopal co-prince of Andorra, and all the priests of the country. Pilgrims take part and politicians from Andorra are also present in the mass. The mass ends with the pilgrims singing traditional poems and paying homage to the Virgin. When the mass is over, there is a sardana dance in the cloister of Meritxell. In the afternoon there is a traditional concert by the Petits Cantors of Andorra National Choir. The procession of torches which goes along the sanctuary premises. At the end, there is cake and chocolate for everyone.
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