Bermeo to Host Bizkaiko Dantzari Eguna with Over 4,000 Dancers

On May 17, Bermeo will become the hub of Basque dance, gathering 72 groups and 4,000 dancers, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alkartasuna Dantza Taldea.

Traditional Basque dance in a Bermeo town square, with blurred people in the background.
IA

Traditional Basque dance in a Bermeo town square, with blurred people in the background.

Bermeo will become the epicenter of Basque dance on May 17, as it hosts the 45th edition of Bizkaiko Dantzari Eguna, an event bringing together 72 groups and over 4,000 dancers, also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alkartasuna Dantza Taldea.

This year's Bizkaiko Dantzari Eguna will take place in Bermeo, taking over from Lekeitio, which hosted the event last year. This gathering will feature 72 dance groups, nearly 4,000 dancers, over 100 buses, and 130 volunteers. Additionally, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Alkartasuna Dantza Taldea adds a special significance to the day.
The official presentation of the event was held at Bermeo Town Hall, attended by the president of Bizkaiko Dantzarien Biltzarra, a representative from BBK, the mayor of Bermeo, and the Provincial Deputy for Basque Language, Culture, and Sports. The Bizkaiko Dantzari Eguna is established as one of the most important annual events for traditional dance groups in the territory.

"This edition will see the participation of around seventy-two groups, with between 3,000 and 4,000 dancers, who will showcase on stage the work and preparation developed throughout the year with enthusiasm."

the president of Bizkaiko Dantzarien Biltzarra
The mayor of Bermeo highlighted that it is a great honor and immense satisfaction for the municipality to host such an event, especially in a year as significant as the 50th anniversary of Alkartasuna Dantza Taldea. She emphasized that Basque dances are the soul of the people and a living treasure that must be cared for and proudly claimed.
For her part, the provincial deputy noted that this festival is very special to her, feeling connected to it since childhood. She added that Bizkaiko Dantzari Eguna is a deeply rooted initiative that contributes to preserving and disseminating Basque culture and identity, stressing that music and dances, along with the language, are fundamental pillars of Basque culture.
Due to the event, Bermeo Town Hall will implement special traffic and mobility measures. All Bizkaibus services will depart from and arrive at the Santamañe street stop. It is recommended to avoid using private vehicles in the morning due to the arrival of numerous buses. Lamera, Portuzarra, and the exit from the Old Town, as well as their parking areas, will be closed to traffic between 10:00 and 18:00. Parking will be available at Azoka and the football field, although public transport is encouraged.
The day will officially begin at 10:30 AM with a massive kalejira, and at 11:30 AM, the main event will start with the groups' exhibition in Lamera. The technical program will include pieces from Dantzari Dantza, Gipuzkoako Dantzak, and the Eltziegoko Dantzak. There will also be participation from children and youth sections with Txiki eta Ertainentzako Dantzak. The festivities will continue in the afternoon with the Luhartz romería starting at 4:30 PM.