What to do in Andorra la Vella in octubre

Grandvalira in full swing 30 minutes from the capital — the largest ski domain in the Pyrenees (over 200 km of pistes), open since December 5 and holding deep midwinter snow at Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa.

Carnival on February 16 — the Gran Rúa gathers floats from all seven parishes and on Ash Wednesday food is shared in 'l'apart de la conòrida', a tradition recorded since 1777.

Andorra Sax Fest from March 28 to April 4 — an international saxophone festival and competition with concerts and masterclasses spread across Andorra la Vella.

Grandvalira closes around April 5 — the final 'spring snow' weekends, with sun, soft snow and end-of-season prices.

The quietest shoulder month of the year — lifts already shut and summer not yet started leave the trails empty and hotel rates at their lowest.

Falles de Sant Joan on the night of June 23 — flaming torches descend the mountainsides into Andorra la Vella, Escaldes and Sant Julià; recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015.

Cirque du Soleil premieres 'Ràdio Andorra' from July 3 to August 2 — a big top in the heart of Andorra la Vella with nightly 10 pm shows.

Festa Major d'Andorra la Vella on August 1, 2 and 3 — street parades, concerts and the Contrapàs, the capital's traditional dance revived in 1983.

Meritxell, the National Day on September 8 — the feast of Our Lady of Meritxell, Andorra's patron, with solemn mass and a pilgrimage to the Meritxell sanctuary.

Andorra Shopping Festival, roughly November 7-23 — concerts, street art, the Carlemany avenue fashion runway and tax-free discounts across the capital.

Poblet de Nadal from November 28 to January 5 — wooden stalls, family shows and an ice rink on Plaça del Poble, with Avinguda Meritxell lit up.