The municipality of Güeñes is in the final stages of preparation for its 66th International Paper Dress Contest. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, starting at 8:00 PM, at Arenatzarte Park, showcasing 21 dresses created by participants from various parts of Euskadi and Spain.
The contest will feature 13 dresses in the Adult category and 8 in the Children's category, reinforcing a competition that blends creativity and tradition. The creations will come from Biscayan municipalities such as Karrantza, Zalla, Sopuerta, Basauri, Barakaldo, Portugalete, Santurtzi, Getxo, Bilbao, and Güeñes itself, along with two entries from Tarragona and Alicante.
The presentation for this edition was held at the Sala Rekalde of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia in Bilbao, attended by Leixuri Arrizabalaga, Provincial Deputy for Euskera, Culture, and Sport; Juan Andrés Iragorri Ruiz, Mayor of Güeñes; and Arantza Carro, president of the Soineko Association. Arrizabalaga emphasized that "maintaining a tradition for 66 editions shows there is a community behind it that cares for it, transmits it, and evolves it".
Mayor Juan Andrés Iragorri Ruiz highlighted that reaching another edition with 21 dresses "demonstrates that Paper Dresses have a present and, above all, a future." He encouraged citizens to attend Arenatzarte, describing it as "one of those nights when Güeñes becomes a meeting point for people from many places, around something we deeply feel is ours".
A major attraction this year will be the return of the renowned Basque group Korrontzi to the runway, following their successful performance in 2024 and due to popular demand. Basque journalist Alex Sevilla will host the gala, which will combine the dress parade with the musical performance.
The jury will consist of designer Borja Hernández Urrutxurtu, professor Begoña García Pazos, and tailor Juan Antonio Andrade, president of the Association of Master Tailors and Artisans of Bizkaia.
Tickets for seated attendance are priced at 2.5 euros and are available on the official website www.vestidosdepapel.com. Standing room access will be free. All proceeds will go towards preserving the paper dress collection held by the Soineko Association.
The Provincial Council, the City Council, and the Soineko Association invite the citizens of Bizkaia to enjoy this unique cultural and artisanal expression of Euskadi at Arenatzarte Park.
Those unable to attend in person can watch a live broadcast of the fashion show on the Contest's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@concursovestidospapelguenes.
