The town of Arrasate is set to become a hub of Basque creativity on April 25, thanks to the inaugural edition of the Piztu Plaza festival. Organized by Ikastolen Elkartea and featuring the active participation of high school and lycée students, this initiative will offer a full day's program from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, transforming various town spaces and squares into stages for young creators.
A total of 150 students from six ikastolas will participate in the festival, engaging in disciplines such as theater, music, and dance. Students from Almen and Gaztelupe of Arizmendi Ikastola will serve as hosts, overseeing the festival's direction and presenting the opening and closing ceremonies. The program highlights include the Elektrotxaranga from Azpeitiko Ikastola, a theatrical performance by Bergarako Aranzadi Ikastola, and musical theater from students of the Bernat Etxepare Lycée in Baiona.
“"It is an expression of a strategic commitment to the Basque language and culture. We want to give prominence to young people, placing creation at the center."
Nekane Artola, president of Ikastolen Elkartea, presented this new initiative with “great joy,” emphasizing its importance for promoting Basque culture and fostering youth creativity. This festival is the culmination of a year-long process, during which students have managed the project from start to finish, learning teamwork and responsibility.
The Piztu Plaza festival will be open to the general public, transforming Arrasate's squares, parks, and venues—such as Biteri plaza, Monterron parkea, Amaia antzokia, and Kulturola tunela—into cultural spaces for all citizens. The goal is to spread Basque-language creation by young people throughout the community and strengthen the network among the ikastolas of Euskal Herria.
