The neighborhood of Oikia in Zumaia is celebrating its San Bartolomé festivities from August 21st to 28th. This year's program promises several days of celebration, maintaining the area's characteristic festive atmosphere with music, traditional Basque rural sports (herri kirolak), popular lunches and dinners, and activities designed for all age groups.
The celebrations kicked off on Friday with the traditional 'txupinazo' (opening rocket) at 7:00 PM. Following this, a 'bertso poteo' (a tour featuring improvised Basque poetry singing) was held, led by Oihana Iguaran and Jon Maia. The evening featured a communal dinner, and concluded with a romería (traditional Basque dance music) with Ostolaza and Larrañaga.
On Saturday, throughout the day, local youth upheld the tradition of dancing from farmhouse to farmhouse and house to house. At midday, a potato omelet competition took place. In the afternoon, starting at 6:30 PM, a cider tasting event was organized. The Kitadelpare txaranga (brass band) livened up the town's streets. In the evening, from 11:00 PM onwards, the group Obaneuke performed a romería, followed by DJ Patx playing until dawn.
Sunday was dedicated to the elderly residents. At 12:30 PM, they were honored at the fronton court, after which a pelota match was played featuring the pairs Sasiain-Urruzola and H. Murua-Irazustabarrena. Subsequently, the local retirees enjoyed a lunch at Muniosoro.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to rural sports. In stone lifting, Olaia Esnaola and Lorea Esnaola competed. In wood chopping, Mujika-Bihurri and Kortxero-Mugertza faced off. Following the herri kirolak festival, ox-cart pulling competitions were held by Etxabe and Bixki. The day concluded with a romería by the trikitilaris (Basque accordion players) Laja eta Lutxurdio.
On Monday, August 24th, the day of San Bartolomé was celebrated. The morning included a mass, and at midday, a performance by students from Errotaberri Bertso Eskola. In the afternoon, the XXXVI. Donkey Races took place, featuring participants such as Artabilla, Peio, Muniosoro, and Bentuene. The evening featured a romería with the Elustondo siblings.
On Tuesday, the 25th, children were the main focus. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, inflatable attractions and a children's lunch were provided. In the afternoon, starting at 3:30 PM, the XVIII. Karrikotxe descent was held, followed by various activities including water games, crafts, skill tests, and a photo booth. A chocolate tasting was also offered. In the evening, a communal dinner ('afari legea') and karaoke took place in the square, followed by the V. Zokormazo dinner at 9:00 PM.
The final day of celebrations, August 28th, marked San Agustín's day and the 'Blusa Eguna' (Shirt Day). The morning featured a mass and traditional rural sports among residents, accompanied by trikitilaris Enaitz Alberdi and Erkizi. At 2:30 PM, a paella lunch was served, followed by bingo. In the afternoon, GUKA hosted a children's corner, and Auxtinpotin gave a performance. The night concluded with a romería by trikitilaris Izer eta Alabier and the traditional 'txin-txin' firework display, marking the end of the festivities.
Thus, the residents of Oikia celebrated their San Bartolomé festivities from August 21st to 28th, emphasizing community gathering and a festive atmosphere.
