The San Inazio neighborhood in Legazpi is ready to kick off its annual festivities. The events will take place from Thursday to Saturday, with the main highlight being the World Rice Festival on Friday midday. The festival has been organized by LEGA Legazpiko Gazteak, the TxoEsna txosna association, and a neighborhood committee.
Ainhoa Gabilondo, from the organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm for the festival's start after much hard work and eagerness to see the results. She highlighted the collaboration with the Buskabaso neighborhood association and emphasized their commitment to maintaining the festival's unique charm, as it represents their 'forever neighborhood' and a lifelong attachment. Despite the absence of bars, she noted the exceptional atmosphere, the careful selection of music genres, and activities for all ages.
This year's main novelty, the World Rice Festival, will be held on San Inazio day itself, with the participation of various local associations and stakeholders. The objective is to foster interculturality and coexistence by sharing rice recipes from different countries. This festival also serves as a call to better care for the neighborhood and its surroundings.
This festival has been organized with the support of several agents and shops in Legazpi, including Mundutik Legazpira, Taupada, Buztintegi, Lekanazpi, Olamendi Eskola, the fruit and vegetable shop Amelar, the restaurant Laubide Jatetxea, the butcher shop Obena, the preserves company Perez de Arenaza, and the fruit shop Sustrai. The countries preparing rice will be: Peru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Cuba, Senegal, and Euskal Herria.
The rice preparation will begin at noon, accompanied by free special drinks. The rice itself will also be free, though donations will be accepted for the newly formed associations Taupada and Mundutik Legazpira. A children's play area and cooperative games focused on anti-racism will also be available during the rice preparation.
The program combines music, sports, and gastronomy. On Thursday, there will be the launch of the rocket (txupinazo), chorizo pintxos, giant figures (buruhaundiak), and a potato omelet contest. Friday features the World Rice Festival lunch and a mountain race. Saturday includes a mus tournament and traditional Basque sports (herri kirolak).
