Saturday arrives and local merchants begin to set up their stalls, preparing for a busy day in the heart of the historic center . The Mercat de la Vall , with its stalls full of artisan products and activities for all ages, enlivens the old town of Andorra la Vella every first Saturday of the month, from May to October, becoming an essential visit for any traveler who wants to experience the authentic Andorran culture.
The Mercat de la Vall was inaugurated in September 2016 with the aim of promoting local products and promoting the regional economy. Since then, it has become a regular event that residents and tourists alike look forward to each year. Thanks to its accessible location in one of the most central areas of the country , it is very easy to get to it, whether you travel on foot or decide to take public transport, which has a bus stop just a few meters away. If, however, you choose the car as a means of transport, you will find several car parks available in the area, such as the one in Prat de la Creu located right next to the Govern d'Andorra .
This outstanding market is held in the historic center of Andorra la Vella , with stalls located a few meters from the capital's Plaça del Poble , in front of the Sant Esteve church , next to the headquarters of the Andorra la Vella commune or steps from the Casa de la Vall , so on top of being an interesting walk, it is also a great opportunity to discover some emblems of the country's history.
Even the door that welcomes us to the Market in Príncep Benlloch Square is a typically Andorran hut door that is more than 200 years old.
This market not only offers a wide variety of local products , but is also a meeting point for the community, with proposals that encourage you to take a walk through the market and enjoy an aperitif in some of the bars or restaurants in the area.
During the walk through the market, we will also come across a very characteristic sculpture of the old town of Andorra . Its name is “Ball de Contrapás” and it was sculpted in marble and cement in 1977. This work refers to the typical Andorran dance in which the dancers hold hands while following the instructions of the cap de ball. Its author is Sergi Mas , one of the most recognized Andorran artists, both nationally and internationally. We can find another of his works in the Mola park of Escaldes-Engordany , the statue of Mosén Jacint Verdaguer . Such is its importance in Andorra, that Sergi Mas even has an exhibition room in his name in the community house of Sant Julià de Lòria.
What can we find in the Mercat de la Vall?
The Mercat de la Vall is known for presenting a great diversity of products that may vary in each edition and are grouped into two categories:
Fresh and Gourmet products
In this market you can find fresh and seasonal products , cheeses, sausages from local varieties such as bull, honey produced in an artisanal way or jams among other options.
Local crafts and products
On the other hand, this market also usually has a wide selection of clothing made with natural dyes , jewelry such as necklaces, earrings or handmade bracelets. But it also has works of art such as prints of paintings by local artists .
But the market is not only a place to shop, it is also a window to the country's traditions. Cooking workshops, craft demonstrations and musical performances are frequently organized to make each visit even more special. The little ones in the house can also live a unique experience, playing at being paradistas at the Mercat de la Vall Menuts.
These traveling performances were added with the aim of "invigorating the area and offering an added complement to the Market to make it even more attractive for visitors."
In short, the Mercat de la Vall is a must-do activity for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture and gastronomy of Andorra . With its varied offering of fresh and artisanal products, this market is the perfect place to discover and enjoy the best that the country has to offer. It doesn't matter if you are a local resident or just visiting the principality, a visit to Mercado de la Vall will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the cultural richness of Andorra.
Mercat de la Vall hours: from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mercat de la Vall Menuts hours: from 12 to 8 p.m.
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