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Diario Euskadi

San Prudencio and Estibaliz Festivities 2026: More Music in Armentia and Arca

Álava's main festivities will feature a new stage in Plaza del Arca and extended musical offerings at the Armentia pilgrimage into the evening.

Generic image of a festive street scene with blurred crowds and colorful confetti.
IA

Generic image of a festive street scene with blurred crowds and colorful confetti.

The San Prudencio and Estibaliz Festivities in Álava are gearing up for their 2026 edition with significant new features, including an expanded musical program at the Armentia pilgrimage and a new stage in Plaza del Arca.

The night of April 27 and the pilgrimage on the 28th will, as usual, be the central events. However, this year's main novelty is the introduction of Euskal Gunea, a new space in Plaza del Arca that will host performances over several days.
Furthermore, the Armentia pilgrimage will extend into the evening, with a concert starting at 21:00 for the first time. This has been a long-standing request, as the festivities typically concluded around 20:00, even though many people stayed late into the night.
The celebrations will kick off on Friday, April 24, with the opening speech in Plaza de la Provincia, followed by a musical tribute to Bruno Mars. Saturday, April 25, will feature traditional events like Fanfarre Eguna and gastronomic contests in Plaza de la Provincia, alongside a concert by A Contra Blues.
The San Prudencio retreat will maintain its customary five chimes every fifteen minutes between 21:00 and 22:00 from the balcony of Plaza de la Provincia. Between each chime, there will be performances by choirs, dances, circus acts, and musical theater, featuring groups such as A Contra Blues, Kantaberri Abesbatza, Mala Brigo, and Artea Teatro Musical. The evening will conclude with a musical show by Valecea at 22:00.
On April 27, Joselu Anaiak will provide the musical closing in Plaza del Arca, as is tradition. Meanwhile, gastronomic societies will perform two tamborradas, the first at 19:00 and the second at midnight.
April 28 will be the day for the Armentia pilgrimage. In the morning, at 9:00, the Zortziko will sound in Plaza de la Provincia. Afterwards, the fields will host the traditional pilgrimage with dozens of stalls, featuring dances, traditional Basque sports (herri kirolak), and children's activities. For the first time, the celebration will extend into the night with two musical performances: at 18:00, Txapela Brava will play rancheras and corridos with a Basque soul, and at 21:00, Aldaia Larrein will perform alternative rock.
On April 29, Plaza del Arca will host the danceable and protest music of Jonkass, while April 30 will see the classic 80s party in Plaza de la Provincia. The festivities will conclude on May 1 with the traditional pilgrimage to Estibaliz, which will include bus services, contests, workshops, sports exhibitions, music, dance, and bertsos.

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