The main hub of the festivities will move to the Oxirondo car park, which will host the central stage and the txosnas area managed by Xaxau Konpartsa. This shared space is the result of closer collaboration with the City Council.
“"These adaptations should be understood as an opportunity to experience the festival in a different way. We want to highlight the effort to offer a balanced, open, and diverse program, built in a participatory manner. The message is clear: enjoy, yes, but with mutual respect and care."
With a budget of approximately 170,000 euros, the program maintains its usual five-day structure – from Friday to Tuesday – albeit with redistributed venues. The Espolón will be another key area, hosting two Saturday classics: the codfish competition and the gathering of giants and big-heads. Alongside the host Bergarako Erraldoi Taldea, the troupes Danetarako Danok from Trapagaran and Pasaia will also participate.
Some of the most traditional events will also change location. Monday's popular meal will be held in the Espolón – with a covered alternative in the marquee of the San Martín Agirre school in case of rain – while Tuesday's rural sports will take place in Ariznoa square. The courtyard of the Real Seminario, meanwhile, will continue to host bullfighting shows.
In the musical section, Oxirondo will concentrate the main performances: the Bergara group Brigade Loco will kick off the festival on Friday, followed by Neomak on Saturday, Anje Duhalde on Sunday, and the romería of Mugi Panderoa for the farewell, among other proposals.
It will also be in this space where the Pentekosteak will officially begin. Minutes before the anticipated descent of Bitorianatxo, this year from the bell tower of Santa Marina parish (Friday, 8:00 PM), the spotlight will be on the proclamation and the txupinazo, led by Lokatza Ziklismo Eskola, designated by the Festival Commission to mark its 50th anniversary.
The program also strengthens its children's and youth offerings with new events: from the possibility of discovering “the giant from within” on Saturday afternoon, to the culinary challenge Pintxo Txef and the session with DJ Jonkass, on Monday at 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM, respectively. Among the most striking novelties is the installation, on Tuesday 26, of a zip line from the bell tower of Santa Marina to Katabixa square, which will allow participants – children and adults – to step into Bitorianatxo's shoes and experience its dizzying descent.
