September 8: Day of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell

08/09/2021

The Principality of Andorra celebrates its national holiday every September 8, the Day of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. This day brings together every year many pilgrims, believers and followers of the tradition in the Sanctuary of Meritxell, located in Canillo and home to the patron saint of the Principality and the valleys of Andorra.

Legend and history

Legend has it that on Three Kings Day, a shepherd who was going to Canillo to attend mass found a statue of the Virgin under a surprisingly flowery rose bush. The pastor took the Virgin to the priest, who decided to keep the figure in the church. The next day the image reappeared under the rose bush, so the inhabitants believed that it may have belonged to the Encamp parish. But the same thing happened in Encamp. Thus, the inhabitants of Canillo and Encamp decided to build a chapel next to the rose bush, where the Sanctuary of Meritxell is currently located.

In 1873, the Consell General de les Valls d’Andorra officially declared Our Lady of Meritxell as “patron and special protector from time immemorial” of the Principality, although it was not until 1914 that the Holy See confirmed the patronage. Since its coronation in 1921 (postponed because of the First World War), Andorrans and visitors have fervently celebrated this religious day, also in a playful and institutional way.

Old and new Sanctuary

The old Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Meritxell, of Romanesque origin although renovated and expanded in the 17th century in a Baroque style, was destroyed by fire in 1972, making the image of the Virgin disappear. It was never known for sure whether the image was destroyed by fire or stolen. The new Sanctuary was inaugurated in 1976 by Ricardo Bofill and a combination of the Romanesque world, the ruins of the old scene, Renaissance and Islamic elements, among others.

From Andorra Sotheby’s International Realty we wish you a happy Meritxell Day.