Ibilaldia 2026 has commenced in the Txurdinaga neighborhood of Bilbao, marking the grand festival of Vizcayan ikastolas, which has gathered thousands of Basque speakers for its 48th edition. The inaugural ceremony took place at ten in the morning at Kirikiño Ikastola, the main organizer, and was attended by, among other dignitaries, the Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, the General Deputy of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, the Minister of Education, Begoña Pedrosa, and the Deputy Lehendakari and Minister of Culture, Ibone Bengoetxea.
As stated by Aburto, "this is the seventh time Ibilaldia has come to Bilbao," and he recalled that "our language needs us, and we need it." The mayor, despite his health condition, demonstrated his commitment by participating in the event.
Pedrosa emphasized the importance of "opening our arms to those interested in our culture and language," and Etxanobe added that "Euskera must be at the center, not on the margins."
“"Debemos acoger con los brazos abiertos a quienes se interesan por nuestra cultura y nuestra lengua"
At the event, presented by former students Amaia Usandizaga and Ainhize Vega, attendees enjoyed the inaugural aurresku, the txalaparta performance by Txala2, and the dances and songs performed by the students. Furthermore, the organizers from Kirikiño handed over the baton to the representatives of Bihotz Gaztea ikastola in Santurtzi, who will organize the next edition.
Following the official inauguration, a wide array of activities are offered throughout the day across three main areas: the ikastola's facilities, Europa Park, and the Txurdinaga sports center.
Haizea Etxebeste, president of Kirikiño ikastola, expressed her satisfaction: "It has been 38 years since Ibilaldia last visited this neighborhood, and we have made a great effort so that everyone feels represented." The three areas feature activities for all age groups, and "now, all that remains is to enjoy the initiative and continue advancing our ikastola's project."
As is customary, the heart of the festival is located within the educational center's facilities, divided into the Zuhatzu and Gabriel Aresti courtyards. Here, concerts by groups EZEZEZ and Gozategi will take place, along with performances by Mago Tor, Go!azen, the play 'Destiny Driver', and bertso poetry by Oihana Bartra and Koldo Gezuraga. Additionally, there will be karaoke, inflatables, workshops, and the 'Euskara mila koloretan' contest.
In Europa Park, DJ Kaktus and Kirikiño Dantza Taldea will entertain the crowd, and there will also be inflatables, a romeria, a market, and other musical performances.
This year's edition, themed 'Hiri Kiribili Bil!', will conclude at the Txurdinaga sports center, featuring dances, an activity related to Euskal Telebista's program 'El Conquis', and concerts by Txapelpunk and DJ Bull.
