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Diario Euskadi

Álava: Estíbaliz Pilgrimage Concludes Patron Saint Festivities

The patron saint festivities in Álava culminate today with the traditional Estíbaliz pilgrimage, an event drawing hundreds of attendees.

Generic image of a festive romería atmosphere in Euskadi, with crowds and traditional architecture in the background.
IA

Generic image of a festive romería atmosphere in Euskadi, with crowds and traditional architecture in the background.

The patron saint festivities in Álava conclude today with the Estíbaliz pilgrimage, a traditional event that gathers hundreds of citizens, marking the end of the celebration cycle that began after San Prudencio.

Starting at 9:00 AM, various activities are scheduled. Among them, the XXXI Open-Air Rapid Painting Contest stands out, where artists will capture the unique landscape of Estíbaliz on canvas. Simultaneously, the 7th Fair of Grievances, organized by Álava Medieval, will open its doors, lasting until 4:00 PM and recreating the atmosphere of historical Álava.
Children will also have their dedicated space from 10:00 AM, with face painting services in the children's area. At 10:30 AM, a wooden games workshop will begin, continuing until 1:30 PM. Registrations for the children's category of the painting contest will open at 11:30 AM, and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, an inflatable sweep game will be available in the play area. Additionally, Álava Medieval will offer a thematic children's visit, The Mystery of the Corbel Heads, with two sessions: at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
One of the morning's most anticipated events will start at 11:00 AM: the XXXI Culinary Contest based on Álava potatoes, a nod to the region's gastronomic identity. At the same time, the C.S.E. Fencing Club will offer an exhibition, and a kalejira with musical entertainment will begin, extending until 1:00 PM.
Some of the most emotional moments of the pilgrimage will take place at noon. At 11:00 AM, a concelebrated mass will be held at the Sanctuary of Estíbaliz, accompanied by the choral group Lumina Taldea. At 12:00 PM, a second mass will be conducted in sign language, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event. At 12:30 PM, the Herri Kirolak exhibition will bring together prominent athletes: Kimetz Alzola and Jokin Larrieta will participate in the aizkora (axe cutting) modality, while Mikel Marijuan and Eider García will compete in harri jasotzea (stone lifting).
At the same time, at the Reception Center, the XXXII Championship of Aurresku and Baile al Suelto of Euskadi will be held, one of the most established traditional Basque dance competitions in the Álava festive calendar. At 1:00 PM, Álava bertsolaris (improvised verse singers) will take to the streets with Bertso Tantak, a parade that will conclude the morning's entertainment.
In the afternoon, at 2:30 PM, one of the most anticipated moments for the pilgrim spirit will arrive: the popular meal, which this year will offer the traditional dish of stewed meat with potatoes. Meanwhile, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the Reception Center will host an exhibition of the works submitted to the rapid painting contest, before the awards ceremony at 4:00 PM. The afternoon also reserves a space for the little ones, with a session by DJ Kaktus between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and the day will close with the VII Mixed Álava Bowling Tournament, organized by Álava Medieval from 5:00 PM onwards.
As is customary during the Festivities of Our Lady of Estíbaliz, there will be a special shuttle service from Vitoria to the sanctuary. Indeed, all places are sold out for the two outbound trips (at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM), and return to the Álava capital will be available in three time slots: 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM.

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