Following the traditional Holy Week celebrations, Azkoitia has cast its gaze back to September 17, 1950, a date of great significance in the town's history. On that day, the coronation of the Virgin of Urrategi took place, an event that left a profound mark, especially among residents with Catholic beliefs.
The coronation was a clear reflection of the strong influence religion held in society at the time. The inhabitants of Azkoitia thoroughly decorated Plazaberria for the occasion: white cloths were hung from balconies, and festive ribbons stretched across the square. Historical images clearly show the community's involvement and the event's importance.
The Virgin of Urrategi was crowned in the town square, and a multitude gathered for that occasion. According to data from the time, about 15,000 people attended the celebrations.
The coronation ceremony was held in Plazaberria, where approximately 15,000 people gathered, despite Azkoitia having only about 6,000 inhabitants at the time. This figure highlights the event's significance for the townspeople. Bishops Jaume Font i Andreu of Gipuzkoa and Jose Egino Treku of Santander, originally from Azkoitia, were responsible for placing the crown on the Virgin of Urrategi at a giant altar erected in the center of the square.
This month's photograph for the Zaharrak Berri section was provided to Azkoitia Guka by collaborator Kepa Alberdi, who obtained it from the collection of Juan Ignacio Uria. The image shows Plazaberria at night, with several residents, and demonstrates the vitality this street already possessed 76 years ago, when, in the absence of terraces, people would sit on benches to converse with their relatives and neighbors.
