bilbON Bizkaia Nº13 (spring 2025)

Bilbao and Bizkaia, hosting major international sporting events

In addition to the territory’s own inherent assets —those that remain and form part of its identity—, Bilbao and Bizkaia have become regular venues for major international events. The most obvious case is the annual BBK Live, one of the best pop festivals in Europe, which brings together the younger and older generations from all over the world.

High-profile sporting events are not far behind. In 2018 and 2019, La Salve Bridge, with the spectacular Guggenheim skyline as a backdrop, hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. It was breathtaking. Also in 2018, the San Mamés stadium, the city and the whole of Bizkaia hosted the most important European club rugby tournaments: the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Investec Champions Cup. They will be back here in 2026.

In 2023, the 110th edition of the Tour de France will set off from Bilbao on the first of july. The Vuelta Ciclista a España will pass through Bizkaia on the third of september. It has already become a regular event.

In regard to football, the San Mamés grass was an accomplice in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final on 25 May 2024, and will be also protagonist in the UEFA Men’s Champions League final on 21 May 2025. And on 21 May 2025, it will play a key role in the final of the UEFA Men’s League. It will also play a major role in the FIFA World Cup 2030. Just like in 1982. It would be good for those who were there back in 1982 to come back. A different football, a different stadium and a different city. Although football, San Mamés and Bilbao still do keep the same essence.

CONTENTS OF NO. 13

• Cinema, dance, humour and street theatre at every turn
• Breweries in Bizkaia
• The 10th edition of cinzano’s ‘el vermut de la ciudad’ tour
• Café Iruña. A Bilbao must at all times
• Restaurante Antomar. Jamón ibérico as a hallmark
• Legends, reggae, blues and jazz in full bloom
• Artxanda Funicular
• Do you know basque?