The Social Welfare department of the Irun City Council has unveiled an extensive program of activities to be held from October 1st to 8th, coinciding with International Senior Citizens' Day. The initiatives are aimed at the city's elderly population, with the goal of promoting their participation and well-being.
Mayor Cristina Laborda emphasized that "senior citizens are a fundamental part of who we are as a city; they have built a significant part of Irun's history and can teach us the most about our origins. This week is an opportunity not only to recognize them but also to listen to them and continue learning from them. Caring for and valuing our elders is also caring for and valuing the very identity of Irun."
For his part, Social Welfare delegate Josu Iguiñiz highlighted the clear trend of societal aging and the City Council's need to adapt the city to this new reality. "We have a lot to say in the Senior Citizens' Service, as we are working to direct the most appropriate programs and improve the services they receive, analyzing the demands. Our commitment is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, and we will do this hand in hand with the city's associations," he stated.
The program includes various events, such as the 'Mayores en activo' festival on October 1st at the Amaia Cultural Center (5:30 PM), featuring groups from the city's Senior Social Spaces and the associations Gure Altxor, Betiko Ametsa, and Nagusilan. Free tickets will be available from tomorrow, September 25th, at the Luis Mariano Tourist Office and on irun.org.
On October 2nd, the documentary '80º norte: donde el tiempo se congela' will be screened at the Casa de las Mujeres (6:30 PM), encouraging reflection on active aging and the importance of facing new challenges. Following the screening, the experience of Esther Aristieta will be shared. Admission is free until capacity is reached.
On the same day, a regulated walk organized by the Zelaiburu association will take place in the Ventas neighborhood (4:30 PM).
On October 3rd, the collaborative art workshop '+60Art' will be held in the Lapice neighborhood (11:00 AM), aiming to create an artistic mural reflecting the neighborhood's life and history. Additionally, the Zelaiburu association will honor the nonagenarians of the Ventas neighborhood (6:00 PM).
On October 4th, various events will take place at the Ensanche kiosk and along the Colón promenade: the 'Baile en el kiosko' (6:00 PM) featuring the Orquesta Tsunami, and 'Nagusikleta' (6:00 PM) organized by the associations Nagusilan and Balazta.
On October 5th, a workshop to learn how to ride a bicycle will be held at the Ibarla Road Safety track (11:00 AM). Registration will be open from September 25th to October 2nd on irun.org.
On October 6th, the regulated walk 'Tipi Tapa' will take place (10:00 AM), organized by the Nagusilan association and the City Council, starting from the Luis Mariano social center. At the Amaia Cultural Center, the play 'Sin canas en la lengua' will be performed (6:00 PM), and the Soroxarta association will host a chocolate and dance event at the Senior Social Space in Belaskoenea (5:00 PM).
On October 7th, Patxi Izaguirre will give a talk titled 'Envejecer de forma elegante' (Aging Elegantly) at the new Senior Social Space in San Miguel (5:00 PM), addressing the importance of self-care and conscious acceptance. Admission is free.
Finally, on October 8th, illustrator Elisabeth Justicia will present the talk 'La (falsa) representación de la mujer mayor' (The (False) Representation of Older Women) at the Casa de las Mujeres (6:30 PM), focusing on the visibility of senior citizens and the fight against ageism and sexism. Admission is free.
