Epiphany in Andorra
In Andorra, Epiphany is known as Reis and appears on the national labour calendar for 6 January. The best-known local celebration is the Three Kings parade through Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany on the evening before.[1][4]
The holiday and its meaning
Reis draws on the Christian story of the Magi visiting the infant Jesus. A Government of Andorra heritage publication describes the local tradition of children receiving gifts from the Kings, with sweets and small amounts of money mentioned in accounts of earlier practice.[3]
The same publication says that, in Andorra, children once imagined the Kings through books and stories rather than seeing them in parades. Cavalcades became part of the celebration in the mid-20th century, alongside the arrival of toys as gifts.[3]
The Cavalcada de Reis
The joint parade of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany is listed by the Government as a festival of cultural interest and an intangible cultural asset. It follows main streets in both parishes on the eve of Reis, with the Kings appearing in a procession of floats and handing out gifts and sweets.[4]
The route alternates between the two parishes, beginning in one and ending in the other. The Government describes the parade as a draw for local families and visitors, so anyone planning to watch should check the parishes’ current arrangements for the route and access.[4]
Public holiday and work
The national labour calendar lists Reis as a holiday. The Government’s calendar decree describes national holidays as paid and non-recoverable for workers in sectors including offices, banks, transport, construction and industry; labour law gives employees the right to the holidays set in the calendar.[1][2]
Workers in tourism-related sectors receive the same number of holidays, but the Government says those days may be transferred to another date by agreement between the parties. The listed exceptions to transfer are New Year’s Day, Constitution Day, Our Lady of Meritxell and Christmas Day; Reis is not among them.[1]
Shops and services
Epiphany is not among the four dates on which ordinary shops must close under the Government’s commercial-hours guidance. General-regime shops may set their own opening times within the stated limits, so being a public holiday does not by itself mean every shop will be shut.[5]
The labour calendar covers employees in offices and banks, but it does not give opening hours for individual branches or public services. Check directly with a service or business before travelling on the holiday.[1][5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Epiphany a public holiday in Andorra?
Yes. Reis is listed on the national labour calendar as a holiday. The Government describes calendar holidays as paid and non-recoverable for the sectors it specifies.[1]
When is Epiphany observed?
Are shops open on 6 January?
Ordinary shops are not required to close on Epiphany under the listed retail closure rules. Each business sets its own hours within the permitted limits, so check locally.[5]
Do tourism workers always have the day off?
Not necessarily. The Government says holidays for tourism-related sectors may be transferred to another date by agreement between the parties; Reis is not among the four listed exceptions.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Epiphany in Andorra:
- S’aprova el calendari laboral per al 2026- Govern d’Andorra
- Llei 31/2018, del 6 de desembre, de relacions laborals (Text refós sense caràcter oficial)- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra
- Les festes d’interès cultural. Patrimoni immaterial d’Andorra- Govern d’Andorra
- Cavalcada de reis d’Andorra la Vella i Escaldes-Engordany- Govern d’Andorra
- Horaris comercials- Govern d’Andorra