Andorran culture is in essence Catalan, comprising of its music, literature, and dance. Travelers should not overlook the many opportunities to get up close with the principality’s history through its concerts, festivals, museums, and feasts, even though the territory’s duty-free shopping and great skiing can be worthy distractions.
The country’s long heritage combines this unique state, bringing together facets of the surrounding countries, especially in music, dance, and gastronomy. Andorrans consider their culture to be an important part of their modern, everyday lives, especially at festival times.
History
Andorra is the last of the March States to survive in the modern world. Originally created by Emperor Charlemagne as a defensive buffer between the Moors in Spain and Christian France, the March States were given charters in return for their successful campaigns against the Moorish invaders.
In the 10thcentury, Charles the Bald, the grandson of the infamous emperor, gifted Andorra to the Bishop of Seu d’Urgell, the head of the Spanish Catholic diocese of Urgell.
By the late 11th century, as a result of local conflicts, the Bishop of Urgell was under the protection of the powerful Spanish Lord of Caboet, thus beginning of dual rulers over the country.
Through a marriage, a French nobleman became heir to the Lord of Caboet’s estate including Andorra, considerably displeasing the Bishop of Urgell. Arguments continued until 1278, and the ultimate agreement gave both the bishop and the French Count of Foix joint rights over the principality.
Culture
The country’s ancient culture began with the Romans and was influenced by the region’s location close to several mountain trails leading to northern Europe.
Over the decades, Spain, Italy, and France played a strong part in its development into a primarily Catalonian region with Catalan its major language. Its most valued cultural asset is the long legacy of Romanic art, most visible in its fifty Romanesque churches and their interior murals and frescos, as well as in the displays in Andorran artifact reserves.
An essential and ongoing part of the country’s culture is its folk dances, performed with pride and enthusiasm at festivals and other events. Dances such as the contrapas and marraxta are Catalan in character, and have been imparted through the ages with little change.
Music is also a huge part of Andorran culture and has expanded to embrace both classical and modern styles such as jazz and orchestral concerts. Additionally, traditional Catalan cuisine is regarded as a vital part of the state’s cultural glories.
The varied and rich Catalan folklore is a part of everyday life in here, with the roots of colorful legends and tales set as far away as Andalusia and the Netherlands. Literature is also vital, with several famous writers from the 18th century and on making significant contributions to the nation.
Geographically isolated and traditionally tied to France and Spain, the country has developed its own significantly individual culture, which has only recently been affected by the arrival of a vast number of foreigners from across the world.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
