The Provincial Council of Álava has prepared an extensive program for the San Prudencio and Estíbaliz festivals, scheduled from April 24 to May 1. This year's edition introduces significant novelties, such as the inauguration of a new Basque music space in the Plaza del Arca, which will host a lively verbena featuring covers of artists like Su Ta Gar, ETS, and Fermin Muguruza.
Additionally, there will be a contemporary circus show and dancing in the Plaza de la Provincia after the opening speech. In Estíbaliz, the 50th anniversary of the first Desagravios Fair will be commemorated. According to Culture Deputy Ana del Val, these eight days of events will be "a meeting point for all citizens and festivals with great sentiment."
“"The program reflects the balance between what we are and what we want to continue to be: vibrant, open, intergenerational festivals designed for all audiences."
The festivities will commence on April 24 with the opening speech by writer Antonio Altarriba in the Plaza de la Provincia, presented by Josune Vélez de Mendizabal. Following the speech, a tribute performance to Bruno Mars will invite the public to dance. On April 25, the main stage in the Plaza de la Provincia will host gastronomic competitions, traditional dances, the Arabako Fanfarre Eguna, and an evening concert by A ContraBlues, a band celebrating two decades in the state's blues rock scene.
On April 26, the morning's entertainment will move to the city center streets with the Kantuz Blai choir. In the evening, at 9:00 PM, the Euskal Gunea will be inaugurated in the Plaza del Arca, the new space dedicated to Basque music, featuring a verbena by the group Muxutruk. The repertoire will include covers of the best of Basque music, with artists such as Korontzi, Gozategi, Huntza, Hertzainak, and Bulego.
On April 27, the traditional San Prudencio drum parade will march through the streets of central Vitoria, starting at 7:00 PM. Afterwards, the San Prudencio retretas will take place in the Plaza Nueva and, at 9:00 PM, in the Plaza de la Provincia. This day will feature performances by A Contra Blues, Kantaberri Abesbatza, and Artea Teatro Musical, culminating with a pyromusical show by Valecea and a verbena by Joselu Anaiak in the Plaza del Arca.
April 28, the main day of Álava's festivities, will feature events in the city center and the Armentia fields. The Zortziko de San Prudencio will be performed, and there will be drum parades by the Biznietos de Celedón and a children's parade. In Armentia, there will be children's activities, traditional dances, Basque rural sports exhibitions, and two concerts: Txapela Brava (6:00 PM) and Aldaia Larrein (9:00 PM), winner of the Gazte talent competition.
On April 29 and 30, the cultural program will include a contemporary circus show and concerts. In the Euskal Gunea, Jonkass will perform on April 29, and on April 30, the Plaza de la Provincia will host an 80s party at 9:00 PM. The festivities will conclude on May 1 with the traditional pilgrimage to Estíbaliz, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Desagravios Fair, featuring competitions, workshops, sports exhibitions, and a communal meal.
