The eve of San Prudencio in Vitoria-Gasteiz presented two distinct scenes yesterday. In the afternoon, rain significantly affected many events, compelling the public to watch the retretas under umbrellas or from sheltered arcades. However, by late afternoon and evening, the rain stopped, allowing the tamborrada of gastronomic societies to parade through the streets normally.
The most common sight during the afternoon was that of residents and visitors taking refuge under the arches of the Plaza Nueva. Umbrellas were also open in the Plaza de la Provincia, where the retretas took place on wet ground with the audience keeping an eye on the sky. In the same area, authorities and part of the technical team were able to follow the event from covered sections of the Palacio de la Provincia, while most citizens sought shelter in nearby arcades.
The rain did not last all day. The reprieve arrived in time for the gathering of the gastronomic societies participating in the tamborrada and for the subsequent parade through the streets of the Medieval Quarter and the city center.
During the afternoon, some of its members had already provided one of the day's images, advancing through the rain in raincoats and soaked uniforms. Nevertheless, the central moment of the tamborrada was able to proceed without rain, on a night more pleasant than the afternoon had suggested.
The rain once again fueled San Prudencio's most popular nickname. In Álava, the patron saint is affectionately known as “the peeing saint,” a playful joke repeated every year when rain appears around April 28. Tradition holds that the saint usually “wets” the pilgrimage to Armentia. While it doesn't always happen, the nickname has become linked to these festivities and circulated again yesterday among those looking at the sky with resignation and humor.
Today, Tuesday, April 28, San Prudencio is celebrated with the traditional pilgrimage to the fields of Armentia. Thousands of people will ascend to the basilica's surroundings to participate in a day featuring religious acts, food stalls, doughnuts, perretxikos, snails, Basque dances, herri kirolak, children's activities, trikitixas, and parades.
AEMET's forecast for Vitoria-Gasteiz indicates very cloudy skies, especially during the morning and part of the afternoon, with probable showers or light rain. Temperatures will range between 11 and 22 or 23 degrees Celsius. After an eve marked by rain and a tamborrada that saved the evening, Armentia looks to the sky again today.
