Bilbao, May 31. Ibilaldia 2026, the festival of the ikastolas of Bizkaia, kicked off this morning in the Txurdinaga neighborhood, organized this year by Kirikiño Ikastola under the slogan “Hiri Kiribili Bil!”. The Minister of Education, Begoña Pedrosa, participated in the inaugural ceremony alongside the Deputy General of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, the Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, and the president of Kirikiño Ikastola, Haizea Etxebeste.

During her speech, Pedrosa positioned Euskera as a language of coexistence and social cohesion, especially in an increasingly diverse society. The minister stated that “there are many ways to feel part of a place, and one of them is for someone to make space for you,” linking this idea to what happens daily in educational centers. She recalled that children and families with different histories, languages, and backgrounds coexist in classrooms, and highlighted the role of students in building community. In this regard, she noted that while adults often talk about the future, children build it every day by learning, asking questions, helping newcomers, sharing what they know, and making space for others.

Pedrosa argued that the challenge is not only to teach Euskera but also to create spaces where the language is used naturally and helps more people feel part of the community. She also emphasized that the revitalization of Euskera is everyone's responsibility, involving institutions, social agents, educational centers, families, and citizens.

The minister acknowledged the work done over decades by teachers, families, and educational communities throughout Euskadi to strengthen the transmission and use of Euskera. In her opinion, the future of the language will depend on new generations, but also on the coherence of adults and the collective capacity to expand spaces where Euskera is present in daily life.

Organized by Kirikiño Ikastola, Ibilaldia 2026 has returned to Bilbao this year with a festive day that transforms Txurdinaga into a major meeting point for Euskera, education, and Basque culture. The celebration unfolds in three main areas: Kirikiño Ikastola, Europa Parkea, and the Txurdinaga Sports Center, connected by a route that fills the neighborhood with cultural, musical, and leisure activities for audiences of all ages.

Throughout the day, musical performances, dance, bertsolaritza (improvised Basque poetry singing), theater, workshops, children's activities, romerías (pilgrimages), street parades, and numerous participatory events are scheduled. Among the groups and artists featured in the program are, among others, Gozategi, Ezezez, Zuztarrak, Harana, TxapelPunk, Xsakara, and Punttu Kakotx.

This year's edition has also aimed to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and coexistence, promoting the use of public transport and reusable materials, as well as respect and equality as fundamental values of the celebration.

With the activities prepared by Kirikiño Ikastola, thousands of people are participating today in a day that once again makes Bilbao one of the main showcases for Euskera and the vitality of the Basque educational community.