Zumaia is immersed in its San Pedro festivities this weekend, which officially commenced with the traditional opening rocket launched from the Town Hall. This year, the honor of launching the rocket was given to representatives from OlarruSub, the Decotena Pulpo and youth teams of Zumaiako F.T., members of the Zumaiako Industria-ondarearen Informazio Zentroa (ZIIZ), and volunteers from Nagusilan Zumaia, acknowledging their achievements and contributions to the municipality.
On the occasion of the festival's start and the received tribute, Nagusilan Zumaia took the opportunity to publicly thank all volunteers, entities, associations, and the Zumaia Town Hall for their involvement in the events organized for the association's 25th anniversary. The volunteers expressed that the community's response highlights Zumaia as "a community committed to solidarity, mutual care, and people's well-being."
“"The involvement and extraordinary welcome that the municipality has shown in recent weeks once again demonstrate that Zumaia is a community committed to solidarity, mutual care, and people's well-being."
The group specifically thanked those who participated in the Sprint de Llamadas Solidarias – Hilo de Plata held on June 4th, an initiative that provided support and companionship to many elderly individuals. They also acknowledged the municipality's backing and institutional collaboration in making the celebration a special event.
With the start of the San Pedro festivities, Nagusilan Zumaia has issued a call for no one to be alone during these days, emphasizing that "caring for each other, listening, and being present in the lives of those around us are the values that inspire our daily work."
Following the rocket launch, the Fishermen's Guild hosted the II Potato Omelet Contest in honor of Lierni, organized as part of Inpernupe's 40th anniversary. The day had previously begun with a judo student exhibition in Ondartxo square and continued with the festive atmosphere of the Lasko band and the performance by Falcons de Vilafranca.
Saturday's program includes children's activities, the finals of the San Pedro Basque Pelota Championship, dances with the ZUMB band, and concerts by Min, Indigø, and Belako at night on the Txomin Agirre pier, which will be closed to traffic during the performances.
Sunday is dedicated to music and traditions, featuring the goiz soinua (morning music), herri kirolak (traditional Basque sports), a parade of giants and big-heads, the San Pedro drum parade, the raising of the Zumaia flag, and a verbena (outdoor dance) with Xabi Fest.
The festivities will conclude on Monday, San Pedro's day, with religious ceremonies, street parades, a performance by ZUMB, a concert by Puro Relajo, and the traditional fireworks display.
To ensure the safety of attendees at Monday's fireworks display, the Town Hall has issued the following notices: the N-634 road will be closed between 10:55 PM and 11:15 PM, and the Zubiaundia bridge will be closed from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The only access to the marina and Santiago beach will be via the narrow sidewalk of the Zubiaundia bridge.
Attendees are requested to follow security personnel's instructions at all times, respect the installed signage, and not approach the fireworks launch zone. The show begins at 11:00 PM, and it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes prior and access designated public areas like Gernika park and the Txomin Agirre pier with ample time.
Fireworks can be dangerous. In case of feeling unwell or suffering an injury, it is recommended to go to the ambulance point located at the Txomin Agirre pier, next to the Moilaberri bridge. Ash fall is common during the show; if ash gets into the eyes, they should be washed with plenty of water, avoiding rubbing. The observation area is around the port, posing a risk of falling into the water, so it is advised not to get too close to the edge.
Navigation on the estuary with boats, kayaks, or any other watercraft will not be permitted during the show. All vessels must be removed from the area beforehand. Although rare, if any fireworks element falls unexploded, it should not be handled or struck; immediate notification should be given to the Municipal Police or Firefighters.
