San Juan's Eve, the summer solstice, will be celebrated tonight under a red alert with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Basque Government has advised against lighting fires near forest masses and has left the decision for public square bonfires to each municipality.
Different decisions have been made in the towns of Goierri. Altzaga has cancelled all events and will not light bonfires. Ataun has also prohibited all fires, although it will maintain its afternoon activities. Ezkio has cancelled all its events.
Other municipalities, however, have adapted or scaled back their events. In Ataun, for instance, afternoon activities will proceed, with a bonfire and dances planned for midnight. In Idiazabal, the City Council recommends not lighting fires in farmhouses, but a bonfire will be lit in the futsal court. Itsasondo will light a bonfire in the main square, but others are prohibited.
Lazkao has only authorized the bonfire in the main square, prohibiting other private fires. Legazpi has shortened its usual events and will light a bonfire. In Legorreta, a symbolic bonfire will be lit, and there will be an opportunity to roast sardines, though attendees will be asked to bring their own containers.
In Mutiloa, fires will be lit in farmhouses, but only the one officially organized by the council will be permitted. Ordizia will have a smaller bonfire in the square. Ormaiztegi will also light a bonfire in the square but has banned others.
Urretxu and Zaldibia will also light bonfires in the square with adapted events. Zumarraga, on the other hand, has cancelled all events due to the heat.
The Basque Government has extended the state of alarm until Wednesday due to the heatwave.
