Barrika is gearing up to celebrate its patronal festivities centered around the San Juan vigil. The celebrations will be held on June 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24, with the City Council and the Jai Batzordea having prepared an extensive program for all audiences. The aim is to foster an egalitarian, safe, Basque-speaking, and sustainable festival that combines Basque tradition, culture, music, gastronomy, and family leisure.
Mayor Itziar Unibaso highlights that the program seeks to keep the municipality's traditions alive while offering proposals for all ages. She has therefore called for enjoying the festivities "with the utmost intensity, but also with the utmost respect," advocating for safe streets and spaces for coexistence.
Activities will commence on Friday, June 19, with a popular sardine feast and a cider festival. This will be followed by concerts from the first edition of Gazte Gaua, featuring the groups Ostikada, Anithree, Blakkat Mentxu, Norman Bates, and Staff, offering a night specifically aimed at young people.
Saturday, June 20, will feature one of the most anticipated events: the traditional sukalki (stew) competition. The morning will include children's activities with inflatables and a pottery workshop. In the afternoon, there will be a magic show and a family performance before the romería (folk festival) by the group Nonbait and a concert by Rise to Fall.
Sunday, June 21, will be marked by the agricultural and craft fair, one of the most traditional activities. Additionally, there will be children's inflatables, giant heads (cabezudos), a frog-throwing championship, Euskal dantzak (Basque dances) exhibitions, trikipoteo (a pub crawl with traditional music), and a Vermouth Acústico to liven up midday. In the afternoon, the family theater show Kay Robot will be presented, followed by a concert by Tucson Band, accompanied by a popular pork rib feast.
After a brief pause in the schedule, activities will resume on Tuesday, June 23, with one of this year's main novelties: an intergenerational dance day promoted by the Coliseé residence. Seniors and young people will dance prepared choreographies alongside DJ Miss Beatrix and Naiara.
Mayor Unibaso adds that the objective has been "to create community and enjoy among generations, fostering values such as coexistence, family, and fun, as well as active and inclusive aging within society." Following this activity, there will be a family disco party, and before the San Juan bonfires are lit, a popular hot chocolate treat, a tai chi exhibition, and the traditional magical San Juan night show will take place, with the participation of Meñakoz Dantza Taldea and Ttakunerre Elkartea.
The patronal festivities will conclude on Tuesday, June 24, with the main mass at 11:00 AM and a popular communal lunch.
