Deba celebrated the main event in honor of its patron saint, San Roque, with residents taking to the streets to participate. Early in the morning, members of the Gure-Kai dance group gathered around the church when the image of San Roque was brought out to perform the Ezpata-dantza, accompanied by txistularis. Moments of emotion were experienced in the Plaza Vieja, where the audience thanked the dancers with applause.
While the image of San Roque was carried by four men, the parish priest of Deba, Xabier Andonegi, and the mayor, Alazne Txurruka, along with council members, enjoyed the dance performance.
After the Ezpata-dantza, they proceeded in procession to the hermitage of San Roque. There, this year's standard-bearer, Aritz Aperribai, danced for the patron, accompanied by the rest of the Gure-Kai group members. Iera Larrañaga highlighted that San Roque Day is a significant day for the dancers, describing the dance performed by the Debarrak group this year as "very exciting," noting that it brings many people together in the Plaza Vieja.
Giants also played a prominent role in the procession, led by the young men Oinatz, Beñat, Jakes, and Angel. The giants, representing the king, queen, Izaga, and Carlosmonte, along with these four young men, form the group that happily participates in the San Roque Day events.
Throughout the day, other events took place, including bullfights, encierros (bull runs), a street parade with a music band, pipers from Lizarra, giants and big-heads, a bertsolari (improvised poet) session in the marquee, and concerts in the afternoon and evening. Tomorrow, Monday, will be the sailors' day.
