The Santa Klara, Azken Portu, and Aritzbatalde (SKAPA) festivities in Zarautz are nearing their end. On the final day, a large communal meal in Sagasti Plaza brought together hundreds of people, as it does every year. The centerpiece of the meal was the Marmitako Competition of Patxi Iruretagoiena, with various teams beginning their preparations in the morning.
Although the previous night extended late with performances by the bands Sofa and Bad Sound System, it was the txistularis who awakened the neighborhood in the morning. The main novelty this year was the stage's location; previously situated in the parking lot on Urdaneta street, this year the street was closed off and the stage was set up there. Most attendees found the change appropriate, as it halted traffic and enhanced safety in the festival area.
The program organized by the SKAPA festival committee ran from Friday to Wednesday. On the first day, tickets for the communal meal became available, leading to long queues. This was followed by mariachi performances. On Saturday, there were mus and puzzle championships, a costume contest, and the first evening concerts, featuring Alarma Morea and Jam eta Bon DJ. Sunday saw the commencement of a mural painting activity.
On Monday, inflatable structures and workshops were organized for children in the morning, followed by neighborhood cross-country races divided by age in the afternoon, with numerous prizes awarded to all runners. After the opening firecracker and a performance by the dance group Jaldi, sports enthusiasts attended the nighttime cycling criterium. Concerts by Maskak and La Sra. Tomasa enlivened the night.
Tuesday began with txistularis, the main mass, and drawing festivals. The neighborhood's retirees had time for a mid-morning snack at the Urpekoak association. At midday, the Azken Portu Txaranga, always unique, made an appearance. Games between committees and a barbecue preceded a traditional Basque sports festival, and in the evening, the bands Sofa and Bad Sound System took to the stage on Urdaneta street.
An excellent bertsolari (improvised verse singing) session is announced for tonight, and the group Fa&Go will conclude the festivities.
