Sestao City Council has presented the program for the San Pedro festivals, which will commence next Friday. Music, culture, and sports will be the main focuses, with a total of 104 activities for all ages scheduled from June 19 to 29. The program design aimed to ensure that people of all ages and diverse interests have attractive proposals to enjoy the festivities.
The program combines established activities deeply rooted in local festival traditions with new initiatives to broaden the cultural and leisure offerings. At the presentation, the councilor emphasized the participatory nature of the festivals and thanked the involvement of cultural, sports, and social associations, as well as the collaboration of many groups and individuals who make the organization of such an extensive program possible year after year.
“"Sestao's festivals have their own unique identity because many people work throughout the year to ensure that citizens can come out and enjoy themselves during these days in June."
Furthermore, special recognition was given to the work of the 'cuadrillas' (groups of friends) and 'txosnas' (temporary bars). Their participation is crucial for energizing the streets and enriching the program with unique activities that promote coexistence and citizen participation.
One of the most exciting moments of the festivals will be the reading of the proclamation. This year, the City Council wished to honor one of the most cherished traditions by several generations of Sestao residents. Therefore, the proclimators will be the giants and 'cabezudos' (big-heads), represented by the Lobito Buruhandiak Cultural Association, in recognition of their 60 years of continuous presence at the Sestao festivals. Music will once again play a prominent role, with performances by groups such as En Tol Sarmiento, El Drogas, Orquesta Vulkano, Orquesta Krypton, Potato, and Neomak.
This musical lineup will be complemented by other smaller-scale proposals, distributed between the stages in San Pedro square and the playground of the Begoñako Andra Mari school. These smaller-scale offerings will be particularly aimed at families and seniors, including dances, folklore, street theater, gospel, boleros, swing, line dancing, shows featuring major hits from the seventies and eighties, children's disco parties, folk music, and a concert of Italian classics, among other activities. As a novelty, this year's program will include two musical performances during the Sunday morning 'vermouth' hour, featuring the groups Kittu and Rockalean.
Deeply rooted traditions will also feature prominently, such as the 'toros de fuego' (fire bulls) in the Las Llanas promenade and the traditional San Juan bonfire behind the cemetery. The San Juan night will conclude with a spectacular 'correfoc' (fire run) parade. Giants and 'cabezudos' will also parade through the town's streets, and children will have dedicated parks and numerous activities.
The cultural program will include choir performances, and teenagers will have specific activities organized by Gazteleku (youth center). The fairground with attractions will be located at Las Canteras. Emblematic activities of the local cultural heritage will also be maintained, such as the traditional songbird competition or the small dance parade, helping to preserve the town's identity and traditions.
Sports will have a significant presence thanks to the collaboration of local clubs, with exhibitions and competitions in disciplines such as synchronized swimming and chess. Sestao Kirolak (Sestao Sports) will also organize professional Basque pelota matches (hand and pala).
The City Council reaffirms its commitment to organizing safe, inclusive, and violence-free festivals. A 'Punto Morado' (Purple Point) will be set up in San Pedro square to prevent and address gender-based violence. The service will operate from midnight to 6 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from midnight to 3 AM on other nights.
“"We extend an invitation to all citizens to participate effectively in the festivals and enjoy the designed program, to share, live together, and strengthen the sense of belonging to the town. Likewise, we ask for responsibility, respect, and civility."
