Five spring plans in Bizkaia
TIME
April 2024
1. Medieval markets
The town of Balmaseda, the first in Bizkaia to be founded in 1119, holds its traditional medieval market on 11 and 12 May. The narrow streets of the old town, on the banks of the Kadagua, on the left bank of the Gothic bridge, will be filled with comedians, troubadours, tightrope walkers and more than 200 stalls, as well as dozens of activities and new entertainment by around fifteen companies.
It is highly recommended to travel to Balmaseda by train or Bizkaibus. If the dates do not coincide, other towns in Bizkaia, such as Gernika or Galdakao, also organise interesting medieval markets.
2. Until 7 July, La Encartada is hosting an exhibition of women’s clothing from a century ago
The exhibition “Kameratik Orratzera. De la cámara a la aguja” (From the camera to the needle) based on the work of the Bilbao photographer Eulalia Abaitua, will showcase the characteristics of the costumes worn by women in the rural and urban areas of Bizkaia between the 19th and 20th centuries.
La Encartada S.A. was founded in 1892 and has been in business for 100 years exactly. The share capital was contributed by 5 Indianos – emigrants from Vizcaya who made their fortune in Mexico – three of them from Balmaseda. It was dedicated to the processing of wool and the manufacture of various articles, especially berets. Since 2007, La Encartada Fabrika-Museoa has been an industrial museum. Buildings, machinery and a workers’ colony form a very evocative ensemble that will take you back to the beginnings of the industrial revolution in the area.
3. World pop and rock legends in Bilbao in June and blues legends in July
The BBK Bilbao Music Legends Fest will feature The Pretenders, The Jayhawks, Blues Pills and Petti, as well as Deep Purple, Canned Heat, The Sceramin’ Cheetha Whellies and Susan Santos. It will take place on 14 and 15 June at the Bilbao Arena.
As if that weren’t enough, the 3rd Bilbao Blues Festival will be held from 25 to 28 July, which has already become one of the international benchmarks of the genre. Free concerts at El Arenal by Martha High & The Soul Cookers, Anson Funderburg, Mike Morgan and Shawn Pittman, among others.
4. Rowing boat races: trawlers and trainerettes
The spectacular fixed-bottom boat races attract thousands of people to our coasts. They preserve as an elite sport, articulated through clubs, federations and an official league, what was once one of the toughest trades in the sea. Since spring, 12-metre boats with 13 oars and a rudder (trainera) or 9.5-metre boats with 6 oars and a rudder, steered by men or women, have been competing on regatta courses set up in estuaries or bays. Exciting, surprising and epic are just some of the adjectives to describe these duels. The atmosphere in the harbour is guaranteed.
The first trawler races of the season will be held in Lekeitio on 2 and 8 June. The trainerillas start in Elantxobe on 27 and 28 May, in Lekeitio on 4 and 5 May and in Ondarroa on 11 May.
On 18 May, the Arrain Azoka – Bermeo Fish Festival – also usually has regattas on its programme.
5. Festivals in a dozen towns and villages, including Urduña, Mungia, Abadiño and Zeanuri
The apparitions of San Isidro, San Juan, San Antonio, San Pedro and San Pablo, as well as Santa Ana and the Virgen del Carmen, mark the beginning of dozens of popular festivals throughout Bizkaia. From April onwards, inland valleys and coastal towns celebrate their patron saints and virgins with all kinds of events. Ask around, find a public transport route and let yourself be carried away.
KASKO
RESTAURANT
Gastronomy and art associated in a unique atmosphere for your senses.
ZARATE
RESTAURANT
A Michelin star in the center of Bilbao.
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