The San Antolín festivals in Gautegiz Arteaga begin today, August 28, and will continue until September 2. After yesterday's Youth Day, residents have days full of activities, celebrations, and a festive atmosphere ahead. This afternoon, the performance by Artie Dantza Taldea will warm up the mood before the txupinazo (opening rocket). Afterwards, the finals of the popular youth frontenis championship will be played, and back from the court to the square, concerts by Sueder and Txapela Brava will liven up the night.
On Saturday, Tabernazarre Eguna (Tavern Day) will be celebrated, where the best tortilla will be judged. Tables and chairs for the competition can be brought from 09:30 onwards, but fires will not be allowed on the ground; barbecues must be used. In the afternoon, there will be a costume contest, for which organizers have requested that music be "ready for the morning," with a maximum duration of one and a half minutes. The music session by DJ Markelin will conclude the day.
On Sunday, activities will kick off with a participatory rural sports exhibition by Sustabiz Fundazioa. Afterwards, there will be a goitibera (soapbox car) descent or a mus tournament. For the latter, registration will take place at the Egala bar, for 20 euros, starting from 17:00. The winners will receive half of the collected money, the second-place finishers 25%, the third 15%, and the fourth 10%. The program will be rounded off by a performance from Demode Quartet.
On San Antolín Day, September 2, the traditional ascent to the hermitage in honor of the saint will take place, accompanied by the town's txistularis (traditional Basque musicians). At noon, there will be a popular descent. In the town center, the Etxebarria father and sons will liven up the foam party. In the afternoon, handball matches will be held in the fronton, starting with the youngest players from the Lea Ibarra Motrollo pelota club. A spectacular doubles match of elite level has also been prepared, where Zabala and Morgaetxebarria will face Muruaren and Arangurenen, starting at 18:00, under the umbrella of the Masters Caixabank tournament.
Patrik Saituak, the mayor of Gautegiz Arteaga, has highlighted the "importance of intergenerational encounters, the transmission of tradition, and living the festivals with respect and solidarity." He has called on citizens to participate in the festivals and keep traditions alive, emphasizing that festivals "are moments to be together, to build the town, and to pass on our customs to new generations." A decalogue for festivals free from sexist aggression has also been presented.
The Youth Assembly has also organized various activities for the main festivals. Today, starting at 20:30, there will be trikipoteo (a pub crawl with traditional music) and pintxopote (tapas and drinks) at Egala. For Tabernazarre Eguna, at 01:00, DJ Fashion will be playing. On the 31st, a "musical afternoon" will be held, featuring a vinyl session by Mangual binito. On September 1st, a Concert Night has been organized with the group Txuleton´s.
