On the morning of Andre Maria day in Azkoitia, rain dominated, leading to the cancellation of several institutional events and parades. Residents commented on the impact of the weather on the festive atmosphere. The return of municipal representatives to the square after mass, as well as the parade of giants and cabezudos, were thwarted.
Although there was a downpour in the early morning, the weather held dry after dawn. However, by midday, the rain intensified. As is customary, members of the Music Band and the Txalkor txistulari group offered the Alkate soinua to the mayor Ana Azkoitia at her home. She, along with her husband Endika Larrañaga, welcomed the musicians, and the band's director, Carlos Muñoz, presented a bouquet of flowers to Larrañaga.
Later, musicians and municipal representatives from EAJ and PSE-EE gathered in the square. At 10:50 AM, they proceeded in procession to the parish church of Our Lady of the Assumption, accompanied by the tune of the song Alkate soinua. At the church entrance, the parish priest of Azkoitia, Xabier Gome z, bishop of Sant Feliu de Llobregat (Barcelona, Catalonia), greeted the mayor and all representatives before they entered the religious service. Like yesterday, today's mass was led by Xabier Gome z. The Parish Choir and the Iraurgi Choir performed during the mass, with Jose Luis Frantzesena playing the organ.
As the service concluded, many citizens gathered at the church entrance, but due to the heavy rain, the return of the corporation to the square was cancelled. At precisely 12:00 PM, as the plaza's carillon clock played the song Ondo pasau Andramaixek, the giants and cabezudos of Azkoitia set off from the square towards the Jausoro and Altzibar neighborhoods, but due to the downpour, they too could not complete their route.
At 1:00 PM, the Municipal Music Band and the Txalkor txistulari group held their traditional concert in Kontzejupea, which was enjoyed by many residents. The festivities will continue in the afternoon, although rain is forecast for the coming hours, which might necessitate changes to the festival schedule. Nevertheless, the celebrations will go on, offering a variety of events throughout the afternoon of Andre Mari.
The afternoon program includes: at 5:00 PM, pelota matches at the Gurea fronton; at 5:30 PM, wooden games and karaoke; at 7:00 PM, a magic street tour; at 7:30 PM, muxikos (Basque folk dance music) in Balda square; at 8:00 PM, an exhibition by the Azkoitia rhythmic gymnastics team; and at 10:00 PM, the screening of works from the XIV Short Film Competition and awards ceremony in the main square. Following this, there will be concerts by La Reina del Pop and Lepue Zapaldu, and at 12:30 AM, a performance by Yakovlev 42 in the txosna area.
