As every year, thousands of hikers participated in Santurtzi's Cornites pilgrimage this Easter Monday, climbing to the summit of Mount Serantes. This tradition, whose origin is lost in time, remains alive from generation to generation and once again brought together a large crowd, taking advantage of excellent weather.
The name of the Cornites pilgrimage is linked to the “cornite,” a bread filled with chorizo and a boiled egg –shell included. Historically, this pastry was a gift from godmothers to their godchildren. Others connect the tradition with soldiers stationed at the fort centuries ago or with cattle pilgrimages, but its exact origin remains a mystery.
“"I couldn't tell you where it comes from. Here –in the Serantes fort– there were soldiers many years ago, but I don't know if that's why. 70 years ago I lived in Santurtzi and we were already climbing it."
This year, the weather was favorable, with temperatures reaching almost 27 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon. Unlike last year's drizzles, the sun encouraged the hikers. However, sources from the DYA confirmed that at least four people had to be transferred to the hospital, mostly due to minor sprains.
Santurtzi residents like Jesús, Yolanda, and their son Unai were already resting at the summit before 10:30 AM. Jesús stated that he has climbed Serantes every Easter Monday since he was a child, emphasizing that the tradition is passed down through generations. Others, such as José Luis García Soto and Felipe García, enjoyed the views of the Abra and Metropolitan Bilbao.
The route can be done on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. Cipri Coto and Pilar Gómez chose to walk, with Pilar describing the pilgrimage as “special.” At the Mazo camp, the family celebration was completed with inflatables, stalls selling doughnuts and empanadas, and a txosna with drinks and talos, all under the supervision of a DYA team.
