Urkiola was once again adorned with festivity, tradition, and character this Saturday. True to its appointment, the San Antonio festival drew thousands of people around the sanctuary and its meadows, transforming the emblematic natural park into the grand showcase of Bizkaia's primary sector. Under exceptional climatic conditions, with clear skies and summer temperatures nearing 30 degrees, the atmosphere was simply unbeatable from the early morning hours.
The unmistakable aroma of 'talo con chorizo' permeated every corner of the festive grounds, becoming the star product of a day where popular gastronomy once again triumphed to the sound of 'trikitixas'. "With this weather, it's a pleasure to come up; the atmosphere is spectacular and the talo tastes even better," commented Isabel, a resident of Barakaldo, while watching the ritual unfold at the temple's rock. “It's a good spot, we sell a lot, especially talo with chorizo,” highlight those from a stall that arrived from Amorebieta-Etxano.
However, current health restrictions forced a modification of one of the most anticipated livestock events: the traditional cattle fair could not be held. Despite the setback, the sector was magnificently represented by a spectacular equine exhibition that captured the attention of professionals and curious onlookers alike. “We wanted to innovate and, therefore, under the tent where the cattle should have been, today we have handicraft workshops, wool workshops…,” highlighted Edurne Maguregui, deputy mayor of Abadiño.
The numerous sales stalls attracted producers from all over Euskal Herria and even from neighboring areas, such as León, with their cheeses, or Cantabria, with their cured meats. “Everything is delicious,” confessed a group from Abadiño while tasting Basque cake from Orozko. Among the offerings, a novelty stood out: for the first time, the Dominican nuns from the convent of Elorrio attended Urkiola, bringing a wide assortment of pastries they make themselves in the town. “We were late, but providence has given us a spot in Urkiola. If it goes well, we will come more years,” optimistically noted the mother superior accompanying them.
As tradition dictates, the large rock presiding over the sanctuary's entrance once again became the most crowded spot. Dozens of people performed the ritual of walking around the mysterious meteoritic stone. Some did so with faith in finding a partner, while others simply sought to attract good luck for their health. “I walk around to ask Osakidetza to operate on my hip as soon as possible. I went through anesthesia two months ago and I hope to go to the operating room in August," wished, between laughs, Juanjo Fondado from Durango, suffering from hip pain.
The large influx of people caused traffic jams at the car access points from early morning. By eleven o'clock, the queues were already endless on the Abadiño pass, despite the special bus service arranged by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia to discourage the use of private vehicles. “We should ask the City Council to put a bit of gravel in the parking lot, so many potholes!”, complained a group that arrived from Durango.
In that same parking lot rested Joseba Martín, who had left at half-past seven in the morning to walk up from Atxarte. “To take a good souvenir, I wanted a photo at the rock, but it's proving impossible,” he admitted with resignation while looking at the river of people surrounding the crowded Tximistarri rock.
This year's San Antonios have been full of symbolism and novelties in the management of the sanctuary itself. This is the first year that Mikel and Juanjo serve as the new 'guardians' of Urkiola. Taking over the welcome and maintenance of this beloved space, both became the great silent protagonists of the organization, receiving the affection and recognition of the local regulars.
Sunday: 'Errepetiziño Eguna'. The activity and fervor in Urkiola do not stop. After the crowded Saturday, the meadows are preparing to host the traditional Errepetiziño Eguna this Sunday. Sunday's event will maintain a more intimate, heartfelt, and neighborly character, focusing mainly on the celebration of the main masses and the development of several cultural events that will serve to put the definitive finishing touch on the great rural festivals in Durangaldea.
