The Arratia Company was formed shortly after the military uprising of July 18, 1936, with young local volunteers. After brief training at the seminary in Arteaga, they were sent to the front. On October 4, 1936, when the requetes attacked Mount Intxorta in Elgeta and captured Gaztelumendi, the men from Arratia were the first to arrive. This was the first assault by Arratia's farmers, but they managed to recapture the position.
This assault resulted in one death, Juan Lejarreta Iturbe from Arteaga, and eighteen wounded for the Arratia Company. Nevertheless, it was a historic and significant victory for the stabilization of the Basque front. The men from Arratia managed to halt assaults for seven months, enabling, among other things, the creation of the first Eusko Jaurlaritza (Basque Government). The achievements of these heroes of Arratia were also incorporated into the anthem Eusko Gudariak.
The tribute will begin at the church, where the gudaris of the Arratia Company will form, take up arms, and head towards the battlefield. At the hermitage of Salbador, they will join the Irrintzi Battalion for combat. As they advance, the group will encounter stretcher-bearers and nurses, and later an artillery attack will be simulated. The reenactment of the assault and battle will take place between Intxorta-txiki and Gaztelumendi. Afterwards, the Carlist flag will be lowered and the Ikurriña (Basque flag) will be raised. Subsequently, the group will reach the machine gun position established by Belgian volunteers. From there, they will descend to the trenches and then back to the town. Explanations will be provided throughout the route, and the activity will last approximately three hours.
To participate in the reenactments, registration is open until the 11th by calling 670 406 564.
