Bermeo celebrated Fisherman's Day today, dressing local heritage and fishing tradition in color. Organized by the Lamera Gane Txoko, several individuals were honored, remembering the town's memory and identity, and blending tradition with a festive spirit.
The day began with a Mass in honor of the fishermen, followed by a procession with this year's honorees and municipal representatives, accompanied by txistularis, from the Church to the fronton. The weather forced the event to be moved indoors to the fronton. This year, the tribute had a special nuance, as while the Lamera Gane Txoko has selected and honored individuals with significant careers in the fishing world, this year marks the closing of a cycle, and the tribute was dedicated to those who have worked to bring this tribute to fruition.
The first to receive the award was Iñaki Garro Jimenez, who organized the Fisherman's Day tribute for 19 years. The Lamera Gane Txoko expressed their emotion for Garro's inherent desire to do something related to the sea and for organizing the tribute for nearly two decades. Garro, for his part, highlighted that Bermeo is what it is today thanks to fishing and expressed his gratitude and pride in receiving the award, thanking the txoko members, musicians, dancers, and the Bermeo City Council.
Furthermore, Garro valued the txoko's work over the years and pointed out the need for a generational change. On the other hand, txistularis Jon Alboniga, Jabi Barrenetxea, and Luisfer Allika were also honored, emphasizing the importance of music in the festivities. The award ceremony was handled by Nadia Nemeh, Mayor of Bermeo, Endika Etxebarria, Councilor for Culture, and Josu Erkoreka, President of the Lamera Gane Txoko.
In addition to the musicians, Kontxi Gabantxo Laka, who served as presenter and scriptwriter for the tribute for 19 years, also received an award, with her sweet and clear voice being highlighted. Madalen Urresti was another honoree, emphasizing the joy and celebration her traditional Basque shouts (irrintzis) bring to the festivities. The final awardee, surprisingly, was Jose Muruaga himself, thanking him for his continuous work.
With music and dance, the Alkartasuna Dantza Taldea and Josepa Kale-Kale also played a prominent role. To conclude, Bermeo's cooked bonito was tasted, prepared by the members of the Lamera Gane Txoko.
After the midday tributes, citizens attended the annual talk in Goiko Plaza, and a street parade, enlivened by various fanfares, began. Crowds gathered in the streets, with people of all ages enjoying themselves. Upon reaching San Francisco square, Maite Soto offered a floral tribute to Taraska, also hanging the traditional fisherman's apron on it, as is customary.
The festivities will not end here; a full day's program and festive atmosphere are expected in Bermeo, with fanfares, trikitilaris, mariachis, and romerías as protagonists until nightfall. The following days will also feature plenty of festivities, with sports, music, food, and dance dominating until next week.
