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Nit de la Candela is one of Andorra's most anticipated cultural events: an evening where the old town of Ordino is filled with light thanks to more than 11,000 candles that transform streets, squares, and gardens into a magical open-air setting. The 2026 edition (the seventh since its creation) will take place on Thursday, June 18, from 9:30 PM to 1 AM, featuring musical performances, dance, fire shows, and a gastronomic offering spread throughout the village. In this article, we tell you about its origin, what you'll find this year, how to get there, and local tips to help you enjoy it without unforeseen events.
What is Nit de la Candela
Nit de la Candela is an open-air cultural event that transforms the old town of Ordino into an artistic route illuminated exclusively by candles. The proposal combines heritage, live music, dance, and art to create an intimate atmosphere that enhances the traditional stone architecture of the village. It is not a religious festival nor is it related to the Christian Candelmas on February 2; the name simply refers to the absolute prominence of candlelight throughout the night.
Unlike other popular Andorran festivals linked to the liturgical calendar, such as the Escudella de Sant Antoni celebrated in Encamp and other parishes in January, Nit de la Candela is a contemporary cultural creation, designed to boost tourism and cultural life in Ordino right at the beginning of summer.
Origin and history of the festival
The event was born in 2019 with the aim of promoting culture and sustainable tourism in the parish. Since then, it has consolidated itself as one of the most emblematic events of the beginning of summer in the Principality, to the point that, according to the senior consul of Ordino, Maria del Mar Coma, the public attendance surpasses that of other cultural proposals in the country such as the Roser.
The project is promoted by the Department of Culture, Education, Youth and Social Welfare of the Comú de Ordino and is developed with the corporation's own resources, with the collaboration of several communal departments and the support of a hundred volunteers who are responsible for lighting all the candles half an hour before visitors arrive. Sponsors Nord Andorrà and Andbank have supported the event since its first edition.
Part of the route runs through areas cataloged as cultural heritage and national patrimony, which is why the organization also collaborates with the Ministry of Culture.
When and where it will be held in 2026
Detail | Information |
Edition | 7th edition |
Date | Thursday, June 18, 2026 |
Schedule | From 9:30 PM to 1 AM (early morning of June 19) |
Location | Old town of Ordino |
Price | Free activity |
Organized by | Comú de Ordino |
The event takes place entirely in the old town of Ordino, one of the most charming villages in the country and a regular candidate on lists of Andorra's most beautiful spots.
Activity program for this edition
This seventh edition features more than 11,000 candles and, as a novelty, the installation of hanging structures in several streets to highlight the stone facades and reinforce the heritage character of the surroundings. The artistic program is spread across different emblematic spaces in the village:
- Main Square: performance by Wax & Boogie Trio.
- Placeta del Pajó: Richy Vuelcom (DJ) and David Amat (saxophone).
- Era Rossell Courtyard: Vibrand Músic, with a repertoire of soul, funk, and jazz.
- Casa Pairal Garden: fire show Manos de Fuego.
- Casa d'Areny-Plandolit Gardens: performance by Odara.
- Casa Rossell Gardens: Neus Mar, accompanied by a dancer.
In addition to the musical stages, the program includes fluorescent face painting for children and adults, free guided tours of the Casa Museo de Areny-Plandolit and the Masks de l'Era del Raser exhibition, and several food trucks distributed throughout the village to complete the gastronomic experience.
If you are interested in more cultural proposals and traditional festivals in the country to plan your visit, you can consult our guide to popular festivals and Andorra's event calendar.
How to get there and where to park
Ordino is just a few minutes’ drive from Andorra la Vella and is easily accessible by road from anywhere in the country. As a large number of visitors is expected, the local council (Comú) has made an additional hundred parking spaces available on Avinguda de les Moles for tonight.
To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend arriving well before 9:00 p.m. If possible, consider carpooling or using public transport, as traffic through the historic town center is restricted during the event.
If you would rather not worry about transportation, you can explore car rental or private transport options in Andorra to travel comfortably during your stay.
Where to stay near Ordino
To enjoy La Nit de la Candela at a relaxed pace and extend your getaway, the most convenient option is to book accommodation in Ordino itself or in nearby parishes such as La Massana or Andorra la Vella, all of which are well connected by road. If you would like reliable internet access during your trip, you can also explore eSIM options for Andorra.
Local tips to make the most of it
To get the best out of this very special night, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early: the first streets quickly fill up with people looking for the best views of the candlelit displays.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the route runs through cobbled streets with slopes, typical of mountain villages.
- Check the weather forecast: the event is outdoors and depends on weather conditions; in case of heavy rain, the program may be affected.
- Respect the pace of the show: many of the candles are lit by volunteers shortly before it begins, so avoid touching or moving them along the route.
- Bring a small backpack and cash: food trucks and stalls usually run more smoothly with quick payments during peak hours.
- If you’re going with children: fluorescent face painting and guided visits to the Areny-Plandolit House Museum are a great way to combine culture and family fun.
La Nit de la Candela is a free cultural experience that fills Ordino with light, music, and art every June since 2019. In 2026 it reaches its seventh edition on June 18, with more than 11,000 candles, new light installations, and a program combining concerts, dance, fire performances, and gastronomy through the streets of the old town.
Preguntas frecuentes
Joan
Article written and updated by the local team at Andorra.com
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