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Virgin of Begoña Festivity
BILBAO -
BIZKAIA
A procession honouring the Virgin of Begoña -"Amatxo"-, patron saint of Bizkaia, occurs every October 11th. This plentiful festivity contains a wide range of activities that fill the agenda. The day kicks off with pastimes for the little ones: theatre, Gargantua, bouncy castles... At 10.30am a parade will cover the route between de la Cruz neighbourhood and Begoña accompanied by trikitixa's sound. Moreover, at noon Plaza Juan XXIII Square will house two concerts: one by the regional band from Bilbao and another one by the band María Santísima de La Esperanza from Cordoba. After that there will be an exhibition of "herri kirolak" (Basque rural sports).
The procession departs from Plaza de Arriaga Square at 7.30pm to Begoña, passing by Bidebarrieta, Torre, Cinturería and La Cruz streets, Plaza Miguel de Unamuno Square and Calzadas de Mallona. The arrival happens approximately at 8:45pm. Once there, the reception takes place and attendees pay their respects to the Virgin of Begoña and the Honour Pilgrim pronounces an oration.
Following the speech the Basilica will accomplish an offering to the Virgin: drawings made by the children. Outdoors a multitudinous popular festival happens with txistularis -Basque flute players-, trikitilaris, giants, Basque dance groups, stands selling rosquillas -type of doughnuts-, locally grown products... The series of firecrackers honouring "Amatxu" will put an end to the day.
We cannot either forget one of the most characteristic traditions on this day: purple neckerchiefs are handed over -they symbolise love for the virgin. The little pilgrims will get chocolates for free.
Throughout the day, the txikiteros -men who go from bar to bar taking a small drink of wine-, pay tribute to the "Amatxu", demanding the preservation of this tradition, also known as txikiteo.
The procession departs from Plaza de Arriaga Square at 7.30pm to Begoña, passing by Bidebarrieta, Torre, Cinturería and La Cruz streets, Plaza Miguel de Unamuno Square and Calzadas de Mallona. The arrival happens approximately at 8:45pm. Once there, the reception takes place and attendees pay their respects to the Virgin of Begoña and the Honour Pilgrim pronounces an oration.
Following the speech the Basilica will accomplish an offering to the Virgin: drawings made by the children. Outdoors a multitudinous popular festival happens with txistularis -Basque flute players-, trikitilaris, giants, Basque dance groups, stands selling rosquillas -type of doughnuts-, locally grown products... The series of firecrackers honouring "Amatxu" will put an end to the day.
We cannot either forget one of the most characteristic traditions on this day: purple neckerchiefs are handed over -they symbolise love for the virgin. The little pilgrims will get chocolates for free.
Throughout the day, the txikiteros -men who go from bar to bar taking a small drink of wine-, pay tribute to the "Amatxu", demanding the preservation of this tradition, also known as txikiteo.
Alava's Pinto Bean Fair
RIBERA ALTA -
ALAVA
On October's second Sunday Pobes holds Alava's Pinto Bean Fair. The delicious legume is the main character and every year, on this day, thousands attend the fair. The event kicks off with Alava's pinto bean exhibition and sale, as well as with an artisan fair and the typical local products.
Furthermore, those meeting in Pobes will have the chance to enjoy an exhibition of stone lifting as well as to admire three of the best existing "aizkolaris" (wood cutters) working: Anjel Arrospide, J.M. Olasagasti and J.J. López Azpilikueta. Then, it will be time for the prize-giving ceremony of the "Alubia pinta alavesa de honor" award. To conclude, the Gastronomic Society Federation will offer free tasting of pinto beans so that those who love good food will have the possibility to savour them.
In other words, the fair gives an extraordinary chance to discover Alava's Pinto Beans: an unequalled product accredited with quality label.
Furthermore, those meeting in Pobes will have the chance to enjoy an exhibition of stone lifting as well as to admire three of the best existing "aizkolaris" (wood cutters) working: Anjel Arrospide, J.M. Olasagasti and J.J. López Azpilikueta. Then, it will be time for the prize-giving ceremony of the "Alubia pinta alavesa de honor" award. To conclude, the Gastronomic Society Federation will offer free tasting of pinto beans so that those who love good food will have the possibility to savour them.
In other words, the fair gives an extraordinary chance to discover Alava's Pinto Beans: an unequalled product accredited with quality label.
