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Information about Spain
Traditional Spanish fiestas - Basque Country
Traditional fiestas in Vitoria:
San Prudencio Saint Patron 28 April
This is one of the most representative festivities and events held throughout the year.
Although the programme officially kicks off on the 26th of April, some activities, such as a musical show, and culinary and Rioja Alavesa wine-tasting competitions, get an early start on April 22nd.
The San Prudencio Retreta
The patron saint receives his well-deserved tribute on April 27th, in one of the most characteristic events of this festivity: At 8:00 in the evening the Provincial Council and Town Hall trumpeters and kettledrummers perform the San Prudencio Retreta in the Plaza de España Square. They are the evening’s main protagonists and they will continue repeating the Retreta at 21:00 hours from the balcony of the palace of the Provincial Council.
Between 23:30 and 2:30 in the morning, the various gastronomic associations will gather at the Plaza de la Provincia Square, where they will begin their traditional parade through the streets of the Old Town and the city centre.
San Prudencio Day – Patron Saint of Alava
The sounds of the zortzikos (traditional Basque songs), played by the Txistularis (fife players) and Trumpeters of the Provincial Council, wake up the people who live in the Plaza de la Provincia on Wednesday 28th at 9:00 a.m.
The rest of the day is chock full of activities. The mass, preceded by a procession outside the Basilica, will open the programmed events in Armentia at 11:00. Some of them are: aurreskus (Basque dances), musical performances and rural sport exhibitions.
The pilgrims can buy traditional handicrafts and typical regional food at the many stands that set up shop on the way to the Basilica. Although this day is dubbed “San Prudencio Meon”, San Prudencio the urinator”, because of the traditionally bad weather, people quickly fill the fields and the surrounding areas as soon as the sun comes out.
See you soon in the Basque Country, Spain!
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