Azpeitia's San Ignacio Festival: Giants Dance and Children's Day Celebrated

Azpeitia celebrated Children's Day with giant dances, music, and various events amidst variable weather conditions.

Generic image of giants dancing.
IA

Generic image of giants dancing.

Azpeitia celebrated Children's Day today as part of the San Ignacio festivities. Events began in the morning, with a packed afternoon schedule including giant dances and a cycling race.

Today marked Children's Day in Azpeitia's San Ignacio festival, with events kicking off in the morning. Students from the Itsasi and Luis Beltza dance groups, accompanied by musicians from the Juan Antxieta music school and the Banda Gaztea, formed a 'small corporation' parading from the square to Perez Arregi square, where they were met by several giants.
Two new 'buruhandi' (traditional large-headed figures) from Azpeitia were unveiled for the first time: 'ttuntturroa' and 'sukaldaria'. After passing through Erdikale, the giants from 22 different groups gathered in the main square, ready to dance for the public.
The giant dance performance began at 12:00 PM. Despite a close competition, the individual prize was awarded to a representative from the Ezpelur group of Barañain (300 euros), while the group prize went to the team from the Old Town of Pamplona.
Following the dance, the giants embarked on a parade through the Old Town. Although the day started sunny, rain threatened and a few drops fell during the procession, but it did not disrupt the event.
The festivities continue this afternoon with a popular meal and games for children organized by the Haujijai commission, as well as the 46th Inazio Deuna cycling race and a sheepdog competition. The Municipal Music Band's concert of pasodobles will conclude the day.