The Principality of Andorra is a co-principality, with the Bishop of Urgell (Spain) serving as one of its co-princes and the French president serving as the other. The governing arrangement dates back centuries and helps to explain why, in conjunction with its geographic location, Andorra has traditionally been isolated from European and international affairs. This began to change, however, with the ratification of its constitution in 1993, which established Andorra’s sovereignty as a “modern” representative democracy.
Since then the principality has become progressively more active within the international community. The United States and Andorra established diplomatic relations in 1995. All Ambassadors to Andorra have also been accredited to Spain and resident in Madrid. United States Consulate General Officials based in Barcelona are responsible for day-to-day conduct of relations with Andorra.
Recognition
U.S. Recognition of Andorra
Andorra has considered itself independent since medieval times, and therefore was already independent when the United States declared independence from the British Empire in 1776. Unlike many other independent states in the late eighteenth century, Andorra never signed a bilateral treaty with the United States, which would have legally constituted recognition of the new republic.
Andorra ratified a modern constitution on March 14, 1993, which provided for its independence and sovereignty as a “modern” representative democracy.
Diplomatic Relations
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1995.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Andorra on February 21, 1995, with an exchange of letters between the Andorran government (requesting to establish full diplomatic relations) and the U.S. Secretary of State. Secretary of State Warren Christopher reciprocated by appointing the U.S. Consul General in Barcelona to also represent the United States to Andorra for diplomatic and consular affairs.
The first U.S. Ambassador to Andorra, Edward L. Romero, presented his credentials on October 30, 1998. All Ambassadors to Andorra have also been accredited to Spain and resident in Madrid.
Establishment of Andorran Embassy, 1996.
On February 6, 1996, Juli F. Minoves-Triquell presented credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States. Ambassador Minoves-Triquell, at 26 years old, was the youngest ambassador on record to represent a foreign country at the time and was also accredited to the United Nations. The Andorran mission to the United Nations serves as the Andorran Embassy in the United States.
Andorra
Principat d’Andorra
(Principality of Andorra)
Himne Andorra
(Hymn of Andorra)
Original Catalan Words
El gran Carlemany, mon Pare dels alarbs em deslliurà,
I del cel vida em donà de Meritxell, la gran Mare,
Princesa nasquí i Pubilla entre dues nacions neutral
Sols resto lúnica filla de l’imperi Carlemany.
Creient i lluire onze segles, creient i lliure vull ser.
¡Siguin els furs mos tutors i mos Prínceps defensors!
English Translation
The great Charlemagne, my Father, from the Saracens liberated me,
And from heaven he gave me life of Meritxell the great mother.
I was born a princess, a maiden neutral between two nations.
I am the only remaining daughter of the Carolingian empire
Believing and free for eleven centuries, believing and free I will be.
The laws of the land be my tutors, and my defender Princess!
Lyrics: D. Joan Benlloch i Vivò
Music: Father Enric Marfany Bons
Adopted: 1914
Andorra holidays are traditionally based on the Catholic high holy days, although they are also strong on the cultural aspects of the principality’s long heritage and always feature folk dance and music. In addition, the state holds a major jazz festival, the Montserrat Caballe Singing Contest focused on opera, classical music concerts, and other similar events. Most festivals take place between May and October when getting around the country is easiest with nicer weather. Festivals are popular with visitors and focus on snow, food, and much more.
Big Snow Festival
Held in March at Arinsal ski resort, this fun event features a variety of live music, skiing and snowboarding, contests, and parties in all the resort’s bars, clubs, and pubs.
International Women’s Clown Festival
This popular annual event delights Andorran residents and tourists alike in May, and brings together female clowns from several countries around the world including the USA, as well as audiences from many regions.
Montserrat Caballe Singing Contest
Young, talented classical singers from across the world compete every May for the coveted prize and title of being Monsterrat’s greatest performer. Caballe, one the world’s greatest sopranos is Catalan, and the contest draws many opera fans.
Andorra la Vella Village Festival
Beginning on the first Saturday in August, this traditional and much-loved event is celebrated in the capital city for three days. Other towns including Canillo, Ordino, and Encamp also celebrate their own village festivals in summer.
The Bagpipers’ Gathering
A truly traditional annual occasion, the Bagpipers’ Gathering celebrates the legend of Val d’Ordino’s traveling bagpipers, known as ‘buners.’ Held in the second week of August, the event sees attendees thrill to the skirl of the pipes for an unforgettable experience.
Our Lady of Meitxell Day
The most-loved of all the Andorran festivals, Our Lady of Meitxell Day was first held in 1873. The event honors the state’s patron saint with its focus on a replica of the Chapel of Meritxell’s sanctuary. People arrive from all over the principality on September 8 and a mass attended by prominent politicians and priests is held in the chapel. All businesses and shops are closed, and a torch procession, dancing in the streets, music, parties, and concerts are part of the celebrations.
Narciso Yepes International Festival
This festival which takes place in October in Val d’Ordino is named after the famous guitarist. International orchestras and musicians alike arrive to perform, and it’s a popular attraction for the classically-inclined.
Andorra’s International Jazz Festival
Another shining star on the event calendar, the International Jazz Festival takes place in Escaldes-Engordany and has featured jazz greats such as Miles Davis and Fats Domino. Hugely popular, the entire town joins in the celebration, both on and off the street.
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