Gabiria's festivities commenced yesterday afternoon with the pregón (proclamation) read by Maria Jesus Deba and Juan Ramon Goikoetxea ‘Pello’. The town hall and residents are now immersed in celebrations that will last until Monday night. To enhance the festive atmosphere, a special bus service has been arranged for today, tomorrow, and the day after.
The honor of reading this year's pregón fell to the couple Deba and Goikoetxea, who for many years ran the Aztiria restaurant. Mayor Endika Igartzabal highlighted the good treatment, warmth, and service offered at the restaurant, as well as their willingness to assist in any neighborhood events. The couple, in turn, accepted the honor with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a touch of nervousness, recalling past memories, including Maria Jesus's years of work at the Ostatua.
Following the pregón, a firecracker was set off and the 'buruhandiak' (big-heads) paraded, igniting a festive atmosphere that lasted until dawn. Residents gathered for dinner to mark the start of the night, with the Puntukakotx elektrotxaranga providing music afterward.
Today's schedule is also packed with events. To facilitate the nighttime festivities, bus services will connect Gabiria with surrounding towns, continuing for the next two days.
Special bus services from Legazpi will depart at 18:00, 20:15, and 22:20, from Urola street and the Zumarraga train station, as well as from the Alegi neighborhood in Itsasondo. Return services from Gabiria will depart at 19:45, 21:50, 00:00, 02:00, and 05:00.
From Ordizia, buses will depart from Garagarza at 19:15 and 21:30, stopping at the Beasain train station and the center of Ormaiztegi. Departures from Gabiria will be at 18:45, 21:00, 01:00, 03:00, and 04:30.
Today's program includes a rural sports bet at 13:00, a bertsolari (improvised verse singing) session at 18:30 featuring Andoni Egaña, Maddi Ane Txoperena, Xabat Illarregi, Maddi Agirre, and Aratz Igartzabal, and a concert at 23:00 with Aramu, Maskak, and DJ Naza.
