The program for the San Prudencio and Our Lady of Estíbaliz Festivities 2026 has been released, outlining eight days of events in Álava from April 24 to May 1. The celebrations will encompass a proclamation, traditional drum parades (tamborradas), concerts, gastronomic competitions, Basque rural sports (herri kirolak), circus performances, open-air dances (verbenas), and the culminating pilgrimage (romería) to Estíbaliz.
Key events will be distributed across central Vitoria-Gasteiz, Armentia, Plaza del Arca, Plaza de la Provincia, and Estíbaliz. The official commencement of the festivities is scheduled for Friday, April 24, with the opening proclamation in Plaza de la Provincia. This year, the honor of delivering the proclamation falls to Antonio Altarriba, winner of the National Comic Award, with a presentation by Josune Vélez de Mendizabal and a tribute performance to Bruno Mars.
Saturday, April 25, will be one of the busiest days in central Gasteiz. Plaza de la Provincia will host traditional gastronomic contests and dances, while the Arabako Fanfarre Eguna will bring music and a festive atmosphere to the streets. The day will conclude with a concert by A ContraBlues in Plaza de la Provincia.
On Sunday, April 26, the morning will begin with entertainment from the Kantuz Blai choir throughout the streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz. In the evening, at 9:00 PM, the Euskal Gunea will be inaugurated in Plaza del Arca. This space will focus on Basque music in the following days, opening with an open-air dance by Muxutruk.
One of the most recognizable moments will occur on Monday, April 27. The San Prudencio drum parade will march through the streets of central Vitoria starting at 7:00 PM, preceding the bugle calls (retretas) in Plaza de España and, later, at 9:00 PM in Plaza de la Provincia. Amidst the retreta calls, performances by A ContraBlues, Kantaberri Abesbatza, Mala Brigo, and Artea Teatro Musical are scheduled. The night will conclude with a pyromusical show by Valecea and a performance by Joselu Anaiak in Plaza del Arca.
Tuesday, April 28, San Prudencio Day, will combine events in central Vitoria-Gasteiz and Armentia. In the city, the Zortziko de San Prudencio will be performed, along with the Biznietos de Celedón drum parade in the morning and a children's drum parade in the afternoon. Armentia will feature children's activities, traditional dances (dantzas), herri kirolak exhibitions, entertainment, and two concerts in the fields. Txapela Brava will perform at 6:00 PM, and Aldaia Larrein at 9:00 PM.
The program will continue on Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, with cultural and scenic proposals, including contemporary circus initiatives and concerts for various audiences. On April 29, the Euskal Gunea will again take center stage with a performance by Jonkass, while on April 30, Plaza de la Provincia will host an 80s-themed party at 9:00 PM.
The grand finale will arrive on Friday, May 1, with the traditional pilgrimage to Estíbaliz, which this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Feria de los Desagravios. Throughout the day, there will be contests, children's workshops, sports exhibitions, music, dantzas, bertsolaris (Basque improvisational poets), and communal meals.
“"These festivities are once again a meeting point for citizens, a space where Álava celebrates its traditions and also its way of coexisting, enjoying, and feeling part of the territory."
During the program's presentation, Ana del Val, Provincial Deputy for Culture and Sports, emphasized that these festivities aim to maintain “that balance between what we are and what we want to continue to be,” with celebrations that are “vibrant, open, intergenerational, and designed for all audiences.” She also highlighted the value of the Retreta, the Tamborrada, and the day in Armentia as expressions that “are passed down from generation to generation and continue to move people year after year.”
