To mark the fifth centenary of Bizkaia's New Fuero, an exhibition has been inaugurated to highlight the importance of this fundamental text in the legal and political history of the territory. This regulation, promulgated in 1526 and confirmed by Emperor Charles I in 1527, updated and expanded the previous Old Fuero of 1452, becoming the fundamental law that governed the political, legal, and social life of the Lordship of Bizkaia for over three centuries (until 1876).
“"Remembering the past only makes sense when we are able to understand it and make it understandable for society as a whole."
The itinerant exhibition, located on the Gran Vía, in front of the Foral Palace, will remain in the capital of Bizkaia until May 11. Subsequently, it will visit the towns of Balmaseda, Bermeo, Portugalete, and Galdakao in the coming months. It will also stop at several metro stations, such as Zazpi Kalea (May), Gurutzeta/Cruces (June), Moyua (July), and Basauri (August), to facilitate its dissemination.
A permanent exhibition has also been set up in the Noble Hall of the Foral Library, which will be on display until the end of August. This exhibition is technical and scientific in nature, designed for experts and researchers, and features, among other valuable historical pieces, the original book of the New Fuero of Bizkaia (1526).
“"500 years later, we can still recognize ourselves in the New Fuero of Bizkaia as a society; in its defense of self-government, in its commitment to coexistence in the community, in its contribution to legal certainty, and in its protection of human dignity. These elements continue to be part of our daily reality five centuries later."
In addition to the exhibitions, various activities and events will be organized until the end of the year. The closest one will be on May 18, when the Lehendakari will visit the Casa de Juntas along with other institutional representatives. The regulation will also be addressed in the UPV/EHU summer courses, the role of Euskera in the fuero will be discussed during conferences in autumn, and street performances will be scheduled, among other proposals.
