By 11:00 AM, shortly after the official opening of the fair, long lines of cars were already parked at the entrances to Balmaseda from Zalla and the Valle de Mena. The parking area set up on the site of the old Fabio Murga, with space for 1,500 vehicles, was close to full capacity. In the town's streets, a greater number of people than ever before were seen enjoying the medieval market, as confirmed by the head of the local Civil Protection service.
Throughout the weekend of the fair, the local Civil Protection unit is reinforced by personnel from Basauri, Erandio, and Cubo de Bureba (Burgos), adding about thirty members, in addition to the Municipal Police. Organizers expect tens of thousands of people to attend the event. Common incidents include lost children, pickpocketing, and falls, according to a member of Civil Protection from Basauri, who worked in the town for years and highlighted its heritage, charm, and social and cultural life.
In Marqués de Legarda square, music and theater companies mingled with attendees. Some visitors, from Bilbao and Durango, blended into the atmosphere dressed in medieval-inspired clothing. They expressed their enthusiasm for these types of fairs and highly rated the Balmaseda market, placing it high in their personal rankings. They mentioned that essential ingredients for a successful fair include fireworks, performances, music, and plenty of food.
The Balmaseda market began in 1999, as part of the commemorations of the 800th anniversary of the town's founding. Since then, it has grown to become a benchmark in Bizkaia and the north of the State. Each year, a sculptor carves a representative figure of the town in wood. This year, without a specific commission, he has followed his imagination. The good treatment of artisans was highlighted, especially in difficult times when it is hard to live exclusively from creations and many markets have turned into businesses.
From San Severino square, the popular reenactment was followed, in which more than 400 residents recreated the plague of 1530, which decimated the town's population. It was recalled that this episode, along with other more brutal ones, gave rise to the cult of San Roque in the hermitage of Mount Kolitza and the annual pilgrimage, whose next edition will be on May 23.
The medieval market's program still has much to offer until tomorrow night, with over 200 stalls spread throughout the historic center. San Severino square hosts artisan craft stalls, with detailed demonstrations of the product creation process. San Juan square transforms into an Arab souk, with demonstrations of calligraphy, oils, essences, and henna tattoos.
Additionally, along Martín Mendia, Pío Bermejillo, and Correría streets, other demonstrations can be found, such as artisan soap making, perfume creation, bookbinding, wickerwork, tile making, handmade candles, tarot and chiromancy, tiles, ceramic modeling, leather and metal embossing, painted glass, artisan silversmithing, miniature ceramics, bull horn carving, goldsmithing, wooden shields and weapons, bread oven, leather sandals, paintings, incense, foundry, flower crowns, artistic forging, and musical instruments.
There are also dining areas, such as a tavern-grill and an octopus stand on Martín Mendia street. A children's area is also available, where they can play and let their imagination soar with over forty artisan games inspired by the Middle Ages, including a giant chess set. Finally, to give attendees an idea of what Balmaseda might have looked like in the 15th century, guided tours with virtual reality glasses are offered at Horcasitas Palace, also on Sunday at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM.
