In the Alegia neighborhood, a gathering point for Itsaso, Ormaiztegi, and Gabiria, the Madalena festivities took place over the weekend. The main day of the celebrations will be on Wednesday, July 22nd.
The festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon, serving as a meeting point for local residents and those from surrounding areas. A large crowd gathered for the cider tasting, and 270 people attended the popular dinner held in the evening. The dinner was enlivened by a romeria (traditional Basque festival music) by the group Joselu Anaiak, filling the Alegia fronton (pelota court).
Saturday was a more relaxed day, allowing people to rest before the main day. In the afternoon, mus and toka (traditional Basque games) championships were held, and later, Itsasoko Ostatukoak hosted a barbecue that brought together around 130 people. Unlike Friday, Saturday is primarily a day for the neighborhood's residents.
On Wednesday, the main day of the festivities will be celebrated. The day will begin with the main mass at 12:00 PM, accompanied by the choir Izazpe abesbatza. Following this, at 12:45 PM, a vintage car exhibition will be held. Over 10 cars will be on display, many considered treasures from bygone eras, including a 1910 Hispano Suiza and a 1956 Peugeot 203, the latter having served as a taxi in Ormaiztegi. In addition to cars, vintage motorcycles and bicycles will also be exhibited, along with a communal hamaiketako (mid-morning snack).
In the afternoon, there will be a children's play area and snacks will be distributed. In the evening, starting at 8:30 PM, a guided wine tasting will take place, led by Manu Hernandez from Itsasoko Ostatua. Five different wines will be featured, each paired with a corresponding pintxo (tapa), and the final wine is typically a sparkling one to be enjoyed with dessert. The Madalena festivities will conclude with a dance party led by Dj Unai.
