February: MUNDAKA CARNIVALS
An ancient tradition that is celebrated on Carnival Sunday in Mundaka. Guaranteed fun at these carnivals where men, who are called “atorrak,” and women, called “lamiak,” cheer up the streets of Mundaka with their good humour.
April: BOMBING OF Gernika ANNIVERSARY – 26th April
Gernika commemorates the anniversary of the bombing of the town at the hands of German and Italian bombers. During the day, but also on the days beforehand, a multitude of acts remember this fateful date and affirm a future at peace.
May: ARRAIN AZOKA, IN BERMEO
Show that each year becomes a showcase of the town’s seafaring and cannery tradition. All the points of sale are concentrated in Lamera Park, but there are also activities in other areas of the municipality, such as the old brotherhood, the tala, or the fisherman’s museum.
June: NIGHT OF SAN JUAN
The bonfire of the eve of San Juan is a tradition that has been maintained by Mundaka since the times of the Gentiles. The night of 23rd June, as legend has it, is when the witch will appear on the streets of the town, ready to be taken to the bonfire. Anyone can burn the bad that they want to leave behind on the bonfire.
August: THE BERMEO STORM, 1912
Each year, Bermeo pays tribute to the 143 fishermen who died in a tragic storm on the night of 12th August 1912. The different acts of commemoration include a theatrical representation.
July: MADALENA – 22nd July
Seafaring tradition festival that is celebrated by the localities of Bermeo, Mundaka and Elantxobe. It commemorates an old dispute between the municipalities of Bermeo and Mundaka over ownership of Ízaro Island. Something that is characteristic is the dress: blue nankeen and fisherman’s neck scarf.
October: GERNIKA LAST MONDAY IN OCTOBER
This is Gernika-Lumo’s big show. An unrepeatable public holiday where producers, local field workers and artisans from all over the Basque Country gather. The streets fill with stalls and thousands of people ready to buy. Some 100,000 people visit the town on this day. Read more
December: MARIJESIAK
Tradition that survives in some towns like Gautegiz Arteaga and Ea, but especially in Gernika-Lumo, where men and women leave their homes during the night to sing verses on the birth of Christ on the nine nights before Christmas. Afterwards, tradition states that they tour the town accompanied by txistu (flute) players and finish with a local pub crawl.
CALENDAR Sports Regattas Hiking Running
From March to October: URDAIBAIKO MENDI MARTXAK
Many municipalities of Busturialdea organise mountain races that combine hiking and culture. Sports events open to the general public that are held in a magnificent atmosphere and through beautiful landscapes.
September: REGATTAS
The Eusko Label Liga, the most important small fishing boat competition, is held in the waters of Bermeo. It is a lively regatta that coincides with the final stretch of the season and also with the festivals of the municipality of Bermeo.
September: SALOME CAMPOSTRIP
A 3-mile open sea swimming race from Bermeo Port to Izaro Island and back. It commemorates the achievement made almost 100 years ago by the founder of the company Campos.
