From 14 agost 2026 00:00h
to 16 agost 2026 23:59h
Elevated footprints
The Ossa tradition is more alive than ever, especially among younger generations. Thanks to an ideas competition promoted by the Comú de Encamp and the Youth Council (Consell de Joves), the parish has found a new way to connect this cultural legacy with its heritage.
From this initiative was born Elevated footprints, a large-scale sculpture created by artist Naiara Galdós and located at the highest point of Solanelles. The figure of a she-bear watching over its territory symbolizes the strength of new generations, the sense of belonging, and the identity of Encamp, closely linked to its environment and to a tradition of oral transmission that is believed to date back to the Middle Ages.
The future of tradition: art, nature and identity at your feet
This proposal brings together art, nature and culture, becoming an essential experience both for hiking enthusiasts and for anyone who wishes to discover the parish’s heritage.
The experience is completed with the signage of 20 emblematic natural sites in Encamp, which can be discovered through different hiking routes marked with a distinctive sign inspired by the half face of the Bear.
In addition, this summer the family-friendly route Bear footprints is being launched, starting at the base of the Funicamp, passing through the intermediate station and reaching Solanelles. Along the route, visitors will discover curiosities about the she-bear, as well as about the flora and fauna of the surrounding environment, culminating in a visit to the sculpture Elevated footprints.
Will you miss it? Come to Encamp, discover the Ossa, and experience firsthand hiking routes that combine nature, culture, and activities to enjoy as a family.
Where does the sense of belonging between the Ossa and our territory come from?
Andorra is a country of majestic mountains, but also of fascinating stories. For centuries, living among steep peaks, deep forests, and harsh winters required ingenuity, effort, and resilience.
How did our ancestors celebrate having overcome such a harsh winter?
With a great festival! Thus were born the Festes de l’Ossa, a unique tradition in which the whole village gathered to laugh at hardships and celebrate life.
If you are looking for an authentic experience, the Ball de l’Ossa d’Encamp awaits you every Carnival Monday.
The Ball de l’Ossa d'Encamp: magic, satire and UNESCO Intangible Heritage
The Ball de l’Ossa is a popular farce: a one-act comedy full of rhythm, music, and dance that dates back to the Middle Ages. The current text, faithfully preserved since the 1950s, was written by Rossend Marsol, "Sicoris".
The performance unfolds as follows:
- The arrival of the lords. Wealthy bourgeois arrive in a horse-drawn carriage and hire reapers to cut the grass.
For more information:
- Some rather lazy workers. The reapers argue, slack off, and are scolded by the foreman. They eventually stop to sing popular songs such as La desgràcia d’un pobre home and Sega-me-la arran, satirizing current political and social affairs
- The snack of the maid. A servant arrives on a donkey carrying food. The young men begin to chase her in a playful pursuit.
- The attack of the Osa. Suddenly, a fierce roar interrupts everything. A large she-bear, attracted by the smell of food, bursts onto the scene. After a fierce struggle, hunters manage to kill the beast.
- The ending. The master and mistress arrive and distribute a bag of money among the participants as a reward, while everyone sings Eixa nit hem mort la ruca.
What does the Ossa symbolizes?
The Osa represents the difficulties and challenges faced by society. When the community manages to overcome it collectively and with good humor, it symbolizes that cooperation, solidarity, and collective effort allow any adversity to be overcome.
An UNESCO-recognized world treasure
This festival is much more than a popular celebration. In 2022, the Festes de l’Os dels Pirineus were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination, jointly presented by Andorra and France, was recognized for its cultural values and for the dialogue it establishes between people and nature.
This recognition highlights a unique expression of Pyrenean cultural heritage and reinforces the commitment to preserve and transmit it to future generations. In Encamp, this work is made possible thanks to the involvement of institutions, but above all the youth of the Festival Committee, who keep this tradition alive year after year.
Activitat destacada
Recommended activity for:
- Esportistes
- Hikers
- Family
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