Bilbao celebrated its 726th anniversary with the White Night, an event that has adorned the city with a blanket of lights through 29 installations combining design, art, and technology. Rain, an unexpected guest, did not prevent the city from shining, and the program will be repeated tomorrow. With the Nervión River (Ría) as a central axis, the spectacles extend from the City Hall (Ayuntamiento) to the Itsasmuseum, passing through emblematic spaces such as Paseo Uribitarte, the Zubizuri Bridge, the Uribitarte40 Hall of BilbaoArte, Bizkaia Aretoa, Doña Casilda Park, and the Euskalduna Palace.
The itinerary has been extended to include the Alhóndiga, reinforcing the urban character of the White Night and broadening the enjoyment possibilities for citizens. Streets, bridges, green spaces, and cultural facilities have been transformed into stages for contemporary creation with installations for all audiences.
The performances began at 19:30, but it was later in the evening, around 22:00, when buildings, facades, quays, and squares were adorned with all sorts of hues. Blue-tinted towers, flower sculptures, and colorful gardens now decorate the city, encouraging groups of friends and families to enjoy this magical day and immortalize the moment with their mobile phones.
“"Bilbao is an open, creative, and constantly evolving city. Gau Zuria reflects that identity and is a benchmark event in our cultural and social calendar, an event that invites us to rediscover the city through light, art, and technology."
Among the new features this year is the relocation of choral and instrumental performances to the 'hall' of the Euskalduna Palace, where Bilbao ensembles will offer live concerts on both days. The event promotes the use of reusable materials and the development of sustainable lighting installations, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring accessibility to cultural infrastructures.
“"The event includes immersive installations, light interventions, interactive proposals, itinerant shows, and sensory experiences, creating a route that transforms Bilbao into a grand artistic stage."
