Galdakao will celebrate its Santakurtz festivals this year from September 11th to 20th. During these ten days, more than 145 activities have been organized, as explained by the Festivals Councilor, Amets Iturbe, at the presentation, "aimed at citizens of all ages".
The program includes 14 concerts, 21 street animations or kalejiras, 9 theater and dance performances, 48 activities organized by associations, and 26 activities for children and young people. Additionally, there will be numerous proposals focusing on tradition and Basque culture.
Mayor Iñigo Arriandiaga emphasized the importance of "enjoying the surroundings" during the festivals and called for "respect for the streets, furniture, and spaces that belong to everyone". Izaskun Zorroza, a member of the Festival Committee, highlighted respect among people and mentioned the cuadrillas competition, which this year adds a new Gastronomic Championship.
This year's pregonero will be Iskander Sagarminaga and the txupinera will be Maria Casillas. Ane Kareaga is the author of the festival poster. Sagarminaga stated that "there is nothing greater than the town where you were born voting for you and giving you the opportunity," while Casillas highlighted that "being txupinera as a cuadrilla is an honor".
In the field of Basque pelota, on September 12th, a Basque Selection event will take place at the Kurtzea fronton as preparation for the World Championship. There, the Galdakao native Gaizka Carregal will play against Ekhi Irribarria from Aramar. Furthermore, a match between the pairs Azketa-Bernaola and Lizeaga-Elorz will also be held.
On another note, the renovation of the Maximo Moreno park is the next challenge for the city council, aiming to "turn the park into a meeting point for citizens again". Additionally, the Galdakao Empowerment Schools have organized 11 courses from October to May at the Torrezabal Cultural Center and in Eperlanda, Aperribai.
