The Aran Valley has celebrated its national festival, the Hèsta d’Aran, an event aimed at defending the region's cultural diversity, linguistic richness, and unique identity. During the institutional ceremony, emphasis was placed on the importance of protecting historical rights and securing the institutional recognition befitting Aranese singularity.
This year, the celebration was marked by the achievement of "historic milestones," particularly the approval of a new financing system. The Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau, highlighted the Parliament's role in consolidating this special status, which distinguishes Aran from ordinary local governance and grants the Conselh General d’Aran the political recognition and institutional singularity it deserves. Dalmau stated that this new funding will enable greater resources to be allocated to strengthening public services, healthcare, and Aranese institutions.
The Síndica of Aran, Maria Vergès, noted that the new financing system enhances economic resources, updates transfers, and allows the Conselh Generau d’Aran to participate in the Generalitat's taxes, a long-standing demand. Vergès described this agreement as "a historic step" towards consolidating political autonomy and ensuring decisions are made at a local level. She emphasized that participation in the Generalitat's taxes is an "unprecedented" development for guaranteeing services to the Aranese citizenry.
The Síndica thanked the Generalitat for its understanding of Aranese demands, acknowledging that while sharing a path with Catalonia and Spain, Aran possesses its own "unique and singular journey."
The Hèsta d’Aran, celebrated annually on June 17th, commemorates the restoration of the Conselh Generau d'Aran and the recovery of self-governance. The institutional ceremony included a reception at the Conselh Generau, a flag parade, and the awarding of the 17 de Junh prize to the theatre group Era Cabana for their contributions to the Aranese language and culture.
These awards recognize merits and services rendered to the Aran Valley. The festival concludes with Aranese dances and music, and this year the Síndica danced with Minister Albert Dalmau, representing the Generalitat.
