Maitane Perez Gomez will have the honor of reading the proclamation and launching the txupinazo (opening rocket) for the San Prudencio festivities on April 24. That Friday, Aiara will become the focal point for the start of the celebrations. Her selection is the result of a participatory process initiated by the Town Council, which invited residents to propose a woman for this significant role.
A teacher by profession, Perez Gomez has published four books in less than two years. Her first work, Haizene eta oroitzapenen magia, is children's literature, written with the aim of helping her daughter overcome grief. Her second title, Aialur Maroñoko sekretua, is an illustrated fantasy story set in the village of Maroño, within Aiara.
Her subsequent works focus on adult literature: Amar, arder y repetir, a reflection on toxic relationships, and Cuando el bosque recuerde, a thriller infused with Basque mythology. Although originally from Amurrio, she moved to Aiara in her adolescence and has since put down roots there, with the municipality and Basque culture featuring prominently in her literary work.
“"I became a member of the Basque Writers' Association, and thanks to that, I was able to participate this year in the jury of the Euskadi Literature Awards as a representative of the association. It has been a great pleasure to share this experience with experts in Basque literature (Patxi Zubizarreta, Pello Otxoteko, Danele Sarriugarte, and Alex Gurrutxaga). I have learned and enjoyed the process a lot. At first, as an emerging writer, I was 'afraid' to give my opinions and suggestions, but it has been a very enriching experience, and I am very grateful to have participated in such a high-level environment."
Despite identifying herself primarily as a teacher and mother, she has made significant strides as a writer, including her participation in the jury for the Euskadi Literature Awards, an experience she describes as highly enriching.
