Kirikiño Ikastola announced today that it will host the 2026 edition of Ibilaldia in Bilbao. This will be the third time the initiative, in support of the Basque educational system, takes place in the capital city, having previously been organized in 1981 and 1988.

In light of this event, the organizers have recalled the work and sacrifice of the individuals who paved the way to the current situation. "We very rarely remember those who have enabled us to reach this point," they stated, wishing to offer a "modest remembrance" to these pioneers.

The text recalls that in the 1970s, studying in Basque was a "marginal option" and that the activities of the ikastolas were not recognized by the authorities. Faced with this situation, those pioneers "put their money, their work, their well-being, and their children's education at risk" to promote education in Basque.

Specifically, in the Santutxu neighborhood of Bilbao, with the generosity of Concha Azaola, a group of Basque language enthusiasts decided to establish Kirikiño Ikastola. The article lists the names of the first twelve cooperativists and their wives to acknowledge their contribution.