Vitoria-Gasteiz has begun the countdown to the La Blanca festival, significantly boosting its pre-festival events this year. Mayor Maider Etxebarria and Councillor for Culture and Education, Sonia Díaz de Corcuera, presented the festive program that will entertain Vitoria residents and thousands of visitors during the first week of August.
Mayor Etxebarria emphasized that La Blanca is "much more than a festive program; it is an expression of who we are as a city," "a reflection of our identity and the way Vitoria residents experience tradition and practice coexistence." The festival will span six days of celebration, 127 hours of festivities, over 400 activities, and 23 festive spaces "so that the entire city can experience La Blanca as what it is, our great festival".
She also made "a call to the citizens so that, together, we can enjoy in peace and equality," aiming "for everyone to feel part of the celebration." This, she added, "is only possible through tolerance and equality, because good festivals are those where fun coexists with responsibility".
One of the main novelties this year is the reinforcement of the pre-festival events. According to Díaz de Corcuera, "this year we are consolidating our commitment to pre-festival events." Two major concerts are scheduled: on August 3rd in Fueros square, featuring a unique symphonic concert by Iñaki Palacios, and on August 1st, the traditional txistu concert by the Luis Aramburu Folklore Academy, with several new additions. Furthermore, on August 2nd, the opening speech by Vitoria resident Iñigo Etxezarreta will be one of the highlights.
Following the opening speech, the group Oreka TX will present a new show, accompanied by the vertical dance of Janire Etxabe and Sara Moyino (Harrobi Dantza Bertikala), the fusion of traditional and contemporary dance by the duo Suaro (Sua Enparantza and Izaro Urrestarazu), and live projections by artist Itziar Garaluce.
Two traditional pre-festival events will also take place: the concert by the Music Band of Labastida on July 30th and that of Araia on July 31st, both held in Plaza del Machete.
This year, the budget amounts to 1,110,000 euros for the more than 400 events. Music will be a central theme, with concerts of various styles. In addition to Fueros and Machete squares, new venues like the Jardín de Falerina will be featured. The Councillor for Culture announced that 102 new musical groups and solo artists applied for the expansion of the music database, and 10 of them, being local and current, have been programmed.
Plaza Nueva will host music every night with orchestras such as La Mundial, Vulkano, Los afiliados, La fania perfect, Alaska on tour, and Jamaica Show. Plaza de la Provincia will offer Mexican music, cabaret, gospel, and a tribute to Estopa.
Basque folklore will have a daily presence in Plaza del Machete (mornings) and Plaza de Santa María (afternoons), with concerts, bertsolaris, and dantza plazan. Names like Xabi Aburruzaga, Aldakan, Moonshine Wagon, and Aikotaldea stand out. Chamber music will be featured in the Luis Aramburu Music Auditorium on August 6th and 8th, with Akartia Lab and Ahaire Eho.
The Vitoria-Gasteiz Municipal Music Band will give daily concerts at the Florida kiosk, followed by dances. In Parque del Prado, there will be jota performances, and fanfares and txarangas will animate the city.
Children's programming is enhanced at Arriaga Park with the "Children's and Youth Play and Adventure Space," offering inflatables, games, sports courts, and adventure activities for different age groups (0-5, 6-9, 10-14 years) and a multi-age zone to encourage adult participation.
At midday, Plaza del Conde de Peñaflorida will host circus, puppet, and children's theater performances by companies such as Ameztu, Elvi Ventrilocuo, Madiber, Ostomila, and Oihulari Klown. On August 7th, the descent of Edurne and Celedón Txiki (12:00h) will advance the start of the shows to 12:30h.
The popular mini-discos in the Jardines del Obispo Fernández de Pierola will continue every afternoon at 7:00 PM. The Gargantua will be located in the mornings at Arriaga Park and in the afternoons in the Jardines del Obispo Fernández de Pierola. The Giants, Big-Heads, Horses, and Sotas parade will have its daily routes, and the Fire Bulls will take place nightly at 10:30 PM on Olaguibel street.
The Humor Corner, theater, pyrotechnics, and other festive spaces complete the offerings. Parque del Prado will host stand-up comedy shows every afternoon at 7:30 PM, featuring artists such as Joaquín Pajarón, Gurutze Beitia, María Crucshank, Jon Plazaola, Nerea Garmendia & Carolina Noriega, and Miguel Miguel.
Theater gains prominence this year with two plays in double sessions at the Félix Petite theater: "La pasión infinita" (August 5th and 6th) and "Dulcinea" (August 7th and 8th).
The traditional pyrotechnic shows will take place at 11:00 PM from Mendizabala. Plaza Juan de Ayala will host the Arab Souk with food, crafts, and entertainment, and the Iradier Arena will feature young bullfights every morning at 10:30 AM.
Complete information about the La Blanca 2026 program is available on the municipal website, and printed programs will be distributed at the tourist office, municipal buildings, and local businesses and hospitality venues next week.
