The festivities in the Old Town of Vitoria-Gasteiz are set to return from June 22nd to 28th. This year, under the slogan "Auzo bihurri, auzo bizigarri! No apto para todos los públicos" (A tricky neighborhood, a livable neighborhood! Not suitable for all audiences), an extensive program has been collaboratively created by neighborhood residents, associations, and businesses, aiming to fill the streets with life and culture.
The celebrations will kick off on Monday the 22nd with the traditional chupinazo (rocket launch) in Plaza de la Burullería. This year, the Korda collective will launch the rocket, aiming to "raise awareness" for the self-managed space they occupied at Pintorería 51, which was evicted by the Ertzaintza (Basque police) a year ago.
On Wednesday, the customary healthy walk for seniors will take place, concluding with a dance in the gardens of Montehermoso. On the same day, a new initiative, "Barrenkalez Harro!", organized by residents of Barrenkale, will be introduced, featuring a snack and a concert.
The program includes various cultural and recreational activities, such as talks, documentary screenings, bertso (Basque improvised singing) sessions, games, workshops, and exhibitions. Music will also be a highlight, with concerts by artists like Jon Basaguren, Código Habana, and The Smoke Sellers, alongside dance workshops and exhibitions.
Saturday will begin with a protest-themed gymkhana starting from the Farolón and a book and record fair in the Arquillos. Following this, a popular communal meal will be held at Bittori Plaza, and in the afternoon, the Gaztetxe (youth center) will host the Auzodance Hall party.
The festivities will conclude on Sunday, the 28th. At 12:00 PM, a demonstration will take place in the Virgen Blanca square under the slogan "Frente al autoritarismo racista, organización queer" (Against racist authoritarianism, queer organization). Afterwards, a street parade with music by DJ Ttittiburu will bring the festivities to a close in Barrenkale.
