The streets of Oñati were filled with people for the Corpus Christi procession, where saints were once again brought to life to the sound of bells and castanets. The event attracted a significant turnout, with the general comment being 'there are a lot of people'.
The procession featured images from fifteen confraternities, children who had recently made their communion, members of the Apostolate and Nocturnal Adoration, little angels carrying rose petals, and the monstrance of the Blessed Sacrament. Led by the vicar general Mikel Aranguren and followed by PNV councillors, the figures made their way through crowded streets carpeted with rushes, accompanied by the Music Band and txistularis. The personified apostles, Christ, Saint Michael, and the dantzaris, captured everyone's attention.
For the first time, Kepa Urrestarazu portrayed Oñati's patron saint, Saint Michael, and at the end of the auto sacramental, he was the center of congratulations. 'I was quite nervous before going out, but everything went well. It has been a very beautiful experience. It's an honor I've lived intensely. I am very happy and grateful to the confraternity for their trust,' stated Urrestarazu, who admitted to being moved at several moments, especially seeing his family along the route.
The dantzaris also expressed their satisfaction, despite the high temperatures demanding significant effort. Responsibility and emotion overcame the heat, and although they finished exhausted, the happiness on their faces showed the joy of participating in a special day for the large family of Oñatz Dantza Taldea.
Visitors who came to witness the procession also had a positive experience. 'It's a spectacular, very beautiful procession,' commented two visitors from Zaragoza, who assured they would 'definitely repeat,' surprised by the participation of young people.
For locals, 'Corpus is always worth it.' 'When you live away, you perhaps value local customs and traditions more than when you are here,' explained Oñati residents living 'in exile,' describing the sight of the rush-carpeted streets, the apostles, and Saint Michael in their capes, wigs, and masks as 'a walk down memory lane to childhood'.
This festival, with over five centuries of history, leaves a mark on many outsiders as well. Despite attempts to suppress it due to the inclusion of secular and carnival elements, the Cofradía del Santísimo Sacramento and the dantzaris have maintained the uniqueness of the Oñati auto sacramental.
