The beginning of the Bilbao Fiestas

This Saturday 22nd August, the fiestas of Bilbao kick off with a large bang, initiated with an announcement by this year´s town crier, all taking place under the attentive yet blurry and drunken eye of the great protagonist of the fiestas, Marijaia. It´s an intense week of celebrations and partying which simply cannot be missed by those residing in Bilbao this week. On the same evening of the 22nd, fireworks will be set off, leaving a trail of colours and lights in the sky, leaving spectators pleasantly surprised. Do you like the nautical theme? If so, there is the opportunity to watch, or even take part in a boat race. Do you like to listen to music? Every kind of music, from classical performed by an orchestra, rock, smooth to even Basque dance can be heard during the fiestas. As part of the traditional Basque music there will be a recital of txalaparta, pilgrimages and open air dancing. Of course, for cooking lovers there will be all sorts of competitions to enter, aswell as street theatre and children´s theatre.

Would you like to watch a bull fight? You have the opportunity to watch one every day in the plaza de toros en Vista Alegre. There are basque sports, chess competitions and an endless amount of events to take part in and enjoy. On the 30th August Marijaia will be submerged into the Bilbao river in the process of “el entierro de la sardina” putting an end to the festival in anticipation for next year.