The streets of Amasa-Villabona will be filled with a festive atmosphere for the Santiago Festivals, taking place from July 24th to 31st. The municipality will host musical performances, dances, parades, contests, and sports events, highlighting Santiago Day and specific days for the romeria (pilgrimage festival) and senior citizens.
Joxean Cubero, cultural technician, emphasized the goal of offering popular, participatory, and diverse festivities. The festival committee has prepared a program prioritizing coexistence and respect, with the City Council advocating for a «safe, free, and inclusive» space for everyone, based on equality and mutual care, reinforcing the message that «no always means no».
This year, the opening 'txupinazo' (firecracker) will be launched by Seaska Haur Eskola (nursery school) and Besamotza Konpartsa, recognizing their 50 years of work with local children and their decade-long contribution to brightening the streets with giants and 'cabezudos' (big-headed figures). Following this, there will be a parade of giants and 'cabezudos' with participation from the Colla Gegantera de Palafrugell. The afternoon will feature the futbito (indoor football) championship finals and a concert by Eresargi Gazte Abesbatza.
In the evening, a popular dinner will be held at Txermin, followed by a young people's 'tamborrada' (drum parade) organized by Onddo Gazte Asanblada. The festivities will conclude with a performance by the group GABEZIN and a DJ set for those over 40.
Throughout the festivals, the finals of the men's and women's doubles Basque pelota championships will also take place at the Bearzana fronton. Additionally, there will be a chess tournament, a popular parade with the theme «Santana Luxury Cruise 2026», and street processions.
The eve of Santiago, on July 24th, will kick off with the XLIV Popular Cross-country race. On this day, Erromeri Eguna will also be celebrated, featuring cider and pintxo tasting, a romeria with 'trikitilaris' (traditional Basque musicians), a 'bertso' (improvised singing) session, and musical performances.
On July 25th, Santiago Day, the morning will feature a 'diana' (dawn parade) and the finals of the pelota and frontenis championships. Throughout the day, there will be exhibitions, popular lunches, parades of giants and 'cabezudos', dance shows including one by Bilaka Kolektiboa, and concerts, such as the one by the teenage group AI AMA!.
On July 26th, Santa Ana Day, sports activities and various festive proposals will continue. July 27th, Senior Citizens' Day, will be dedicated to this group with a musical 'diana' and traditional singing activities. On July 28th, the day will be dedicated to young people, with a communal meal and children's bowling, followed by concerts by groups like NAFARROA 1512 and the Catalan group LES TESTARUDES.
On Wednesday, the festivities will include a parade of giants and 'cabezudos', a weightlifting competition, and 'sokamuturra' (bull running with rope). Zunbeltz Elkartea has also organized a beef and cider tasting. Thursday, the day of the 'cuadrillas' (groups of friends), will feature a communal meal, street parade, 'charanga' (brass band), and a 'verbena' (outdoor dance), concluding with the fire bull and another 'verbena'.
The festivities will conclude on the day of San Ignacio with a 'diana' accompanied by Hernaniko Dultzaineroak. The City Council encourages all citizens to participate in the organized activities, celebrate the local customs and culture, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
