The Traditional Alarde of Irun has named Javier Urroz Santesteban as its new commander, as announced on Tuesday, April 15. This appointment is accompanied by the disclosure of most of the General Staff members who will serve alongside General Javier García Nieto.
Urroz, 52, has served as a General Staff assistant in the previous two alardes. His journey began parading in the Santiago company with a shotgun, and after a year in Bidasoa, he returned to his original company to parade with the txibilito. He was ensign of Santiago between 2018 and 2023.
“"It is a great responsibility and a great emotion for me. It is a position where feelings will be very intense. The Alarde is what unites us with great strength, and together we will manage to focus on the Alarde, which is what the people of Irun expect."
Four other members of the new General Staff have also been announced. Iñaki Salaverria Jiménez, 28, will serve as a General Staff assistant. Imanol Celihueta Hidalgo, 27, has been chosen as Infantry assistant. The new Cavalry assistant is Javier San Matías Becerro, 46, who has been parading on horseback since 2009 and has been a member of the Alarde Board since 2023. For the position of bugler, Kimetz Esnaola Aguirrebarrena, 27, has been selected.
The position of Artillery assistant is still pending confirmation and will be announced in the coming weeks.
