The sixth edition of the Pitavola del Comapedrosa wrapped up on Sunday, having attracted a large number of visitors to the historic centre of Arinsal over the weekend. The peak attendance was recorded on Saturday morning, coinciding with the sunniest period of the event. However, the rain on Sunday did not deter families from attending, many equipped with umbrellas and waterproofs.
One of the highlights for visitors was the artisan and traditional crafts market, held in the cobbled streets of the village. The weather did not force the cancellation of any activities, and the full programme was maintained. Events that could not be held outdoors were relocated to the Quart de Arinsal sociocultural building. Workshops, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and other activities received a warm reception throughout the two days.
A major attraction was the livestock exhibition, particularly popular among families. Children were thrilled to see cows, calves, mares, and sheep up close, providing a glimpse into traditional mountain life. This experience encapsulates the essence of the Pitavola: to recover and showcase the heritage, crafts, and ways of life associated with the Pyrenees.
The more traditional aspects of the fair garnered significant interest. A live demonstration of charcoal burning by traditional crafts expert Roger Solé allowed attendees to learn how charcoal was historically produced. Additionally, hands-on activities such as craft workshops and woodworking sessions were well-received.
The event featured around twenty activities related to the mountains, nature, and popular culture, alongside twenty-two stalls offering crafts and food products from Andorra and various regions of the Catalan and French Pyrenees. Gastronomy was also a key component, with a tapas route through the establishments of Arinsal, further engaging the community in a fair that blends nature, craftsmanship, mountain products, and cultural heritage.
Now in its sixth year, the Pitavola del Comapedrosa continues to establish itself as a family-friendly autumn event. The fair was originally created to celebrate the anniversary of the Comapedrosa Natural Park, which this year marks its twenty-third year, and to highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the mountains. The Comapedrosa is part of the Pyrenean Park of the Three Nations, a cross-border area that encompasses four natural parks in Andorra, Catalonia, and France, working together to conserve this heritage and strengthen a shared Pyrenean identity.
This year's edition introduced a new sculpture, an ermine located at the Pollós River viewpoint, welcoming visitors to the Comapedrosa Natural Park. The sculpture trail of the Pitavola now features six sculptures throughout Arinsal: the pitavola, serenalla, isard, quebrantahuesos, tritón, and ermine. Throughout the weekend, a small train provided continuous trips from the village centre to the entrance of the natural park, an initiative that proved to be very popular.
