The town of Deba celebrated its cherished 'Día del Debarra' this Sunday, a local festival rooted in the coastal community that unfolded with a great atmosphere. As is tradition, the events featuring bull runs (vaquillas), Basque dances (euskal dantzak), and performances by various giant parades were the undisputed highlights of this significant day on the local festive calendar.

The day's program commenced at 8:00 AM with the customary diana (dawn parade) by the dulzaineros (wind instrument players) from Lizarra. Following this, early risers and night owls alike had a dual encounter with the bull runs: first, an encierro (bull run) took place, followed by a sokamuturra (a type of bull run with a rope).

Subsequently, the focus shifted to the hermitage of San Roke, where members of the dance group Gure Kai performed the solemn Ezpata-dantza (sword dance). After the dance, the festive activities returned to the town center.

While the dancers from Gure Kai performed at the historic hermitage, the Ozio-Bide society hosted the spectacular lunch that the Deba giant parade traditionally offers each year to representatives from participating giant groups. This year, approximately 80 members from the giant parades of Deba, Legazpi, Olite, and Lizarra enjoyed the meal, prepared and served by staff from the Ozio-Bide and Gau Txori societies.

Shortly thereafter, these participants delighted the public by parading through the town center with the 22 giants they brought to the event. Once again, local gastronomic societies took advantage of the start of the giant parade to distribute broth and cooked chorizo among those gathered in Foruen plaza. This square served as the venue for the giants' final morning dance and, immediately after, a traditional Aurresku dance performed by Deba's own dancers and txistularis (Basque flute players).

The festive program for this 'Día del Debarra' includes two afternoon events: the anticipated Alarde de Gigantes (Parade of Giants) and a romería (folk festival) led by the group Heuk Esan.