The town of Urrestilla is gearing up to celebrate its San Juan festivities. While the festive atmosphere began to build last weekend, the official events will commence starting tomorrow, Friday. Although the eve of San Juan falls on a Tuesday, and the traditional festival tree will be introduced on that day, the weekend will also feature numerous activities.
On Friday, the group Benta Zaharreko Mutiko Alaiak will perform at 7:00 PM. Following this, matches featuring the Euskadi Selection will take place at the Txikuri pelota court. Although a festival of professional hand-pelota players was initially planned, it was canceled due to a decision made by Aspe. Nevertheless, pelota will still have a presence at the festival, with a three-match event organized under the slogan 'Euskal selekzioa Urrestillatik mundura' (Basque Selection from Urrestilla to the World).
In this festival, the first match will be played by Olatz Arrizabalaga and Enara Gaminde. The second match will see Azketa and Garmendia compete against Etxeberria and Irazustabarrena. In the third and final match, Egiguren and Bernaola will face Muruaga and Elorza.
On Saturday, a demonstration of traditional Basque sports (herri kirolak) will be held at midday. In the evening, concerts will take place in the main square, featuring performances by Naizena, Modus Operandi, and Fury DJa.
On Monday, June 22nd, the 'Loretoko mendi buelta' (Loreto mountain walk) will take place in the morning, followed by a children's corner organized by Gukarekin in the afternoon.
The festivities will officially commence on San Juan's Eve, Tuesday. At 9:00 PM, the opening speech will be read, and a rocket will be launched. Afterwards, a communal dinner will be held, and at midnight, the San Juan tree will be introduced. Subsequently, the San Juan bonfire will be lit, followed by a romeria (traditional dance) with the group Laket.
From June 23rd to 26th, San Juan Day, San Juan Txiki Day, and the Third Day of San Juan will be celebrated with a variety of events, including street parades, a main mass, concerts, cider tasting, a mus (card game) tournament, and children's games. The festivities will conclude on Friday with the burial of the tree.
