June 30th marks a significant date for the city of Irun as it celebrates the San Marcial festival. After weeks of intense preparations and anticipation, Maddi Ugarte and Nere Estonba, cantineras for the Banda and Bidasoa of the Public Alarde, are about to fulfill a childhood dream, knowing they will be central figures on one of the most beautiful days of their lives.
Both women, natives of Irun, have cherished the festival since childhood. Nere shares, "Being a cantinera has always been a dream of mine because I've experienced San Marcial so much since I was little." Although she has participated as a soldier before, this year she embraces a "different role," anticipating "special San Marcials."
Maddi also sees her childhood aspiration realized: "I used to go with the band and the fan, and this was my dream." She emphasizes that while one can be a captain for several years, "as a cantinera, it's only one year, and I'm thrilled; it's what I've wanted since I was little."
The Bidasoa cantinera highlights the joy her selection has brought to her circle and herself: "I am very emotional, and so is my family; we are fully enjoying every rehearsal." Maddi, who doesn't have rehearsals, is "enjoying every moment and every preparation," eagerly awaiting "the cantineras' presentation on the 28th."
Each experienced the moment of selection differently. Maddi chose to stay home due to the tension, "because otherwise, I would have gotten overwhelmed," she admits. After a tense wait, "people came to the house, it was crazy!"
Nere, conversely, waited "in a bar with my friends and some family." At one point, she saw the company arrive "with the bouquet of flowers, and they asked me if I wanted to be cantinera," a question she doesn't recall ever refusing. "It was very emotional," she recalls with a smile.
Being a cantinera involves starting preparations well in advance. "The festivities begin much earlier," notes the Bidasoa representative, explaining that "the day after the draw, I was already trying on the costume, I had the boots, jacket, and started looking for a hairdresser and makeup artist."
Both have decided who will march alongside them in the Alarde. Maddi, having "only one companion" as she marches with the band, will "prioritize family." Nere is using rehearsals to have people "like my uncles, my cousins, and some friends" by her side, and for the main day, "my parents, my brother, the group members, and two cousins" will accompany her.
Nere recalls the first rehearsal's "balcony moment" as the most emotional part. For Maddi, that moment will be the Diana, anticipating that "it's going to be grand; just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."
San Marcial always evokes memories for any resident of Irun. Nere knows she will remember her "grandfather," who "would have been very excited." Maddi will also reserve a space for her family, undoubtedly remembering "my grandmother, because San Pedro and San Marcial have always been a big part of my family's life."
Both will serve as cantineras for the 30th anniversary of the Public Alarde. Maddi recalls, "When I was little, this Alarde was much smaller, and just thinking about how it has grown is amazing." For Nere, "it's a source of pride," adding, "it's beautiful to think that we've been fighting for 30 years for an egalitarian alarde, and it's a special year because of what we've lived through and how far we've come."
