Liam Nieves Gaitán, an 8-year-old boy with roots in Cuba and Nicaragua, served as the 'txiki alkate' (child mayor) of Zumarraga this Sunday during the 'Día del Niño' (Children's Day). This event serves as a prelude to the Santa Isabel festivities. His parents, Guillermo and Marta, met nearly a decade ago in Zumarraga, where their only son, Liam, was born. The family cherishes the cultures and customs of their homelands as well as local traditions, and they experienced particular joy seeing their son have this opportunity.
The 'txiki alkate' was accompanied by Marina Toledano Tejedor, Naia Carrasco Xena, Laia Da Costa Calderón, Ainhoa Palencia García, Enara Molledo Feliz, Alaia Azkune Elgarresta, Martín Santos Fariñas, Aratz Plazaola Zarandona, Derek Blázquez Alvar, Aroa Abigail Vargas Mendoza, Maddi Otaegui Ayerbe, and Izei Goenaga Berakoetxea. These students from various municipal schools took on the role of council members for a day, participating in the 'power exchange' ceremony with the Municipal Corporation at eleven in the morning at the Town Hall.
“"The seriousness and responsibility with which you assume your role is commendable."
At midday, dancers from the Irrintzi group brought color and festivity to the square with a performance, while the Zelai Arizti park hosted bowling and 'toca' championships. In the afternoon, the children's 'tamborrada' (drum parade) saw around a hundred children enthusiastically playing their drums through the center of Zumarraga, accompanied by the band and the Secundino Esnaola music school. Thus, Zumarraga has begun its path towards its main festivities.
Tuesday will be 'Seniors' Day', Wednesday features the opening speech with the Urtubi society, and Thursday is the main day of Santa Isabel, celebrated in La Antigua.
