Christmas is, without any doubt, the most family-oriented time of the year, as, above all, the children’s illusion fills with joy these magical dates. That is why Leioa organizes various celebrations and activities throughout the months of December and January so that children, young people and adults can enjoy the Christmas season in the best company. Through these days, the streets of Leioa are illuminated and filled with lots of fun and entertainment.
The most special dates
On the 24th of December during the afternoon, Olentzero and Mari Domingi perform a kalejira through several streets of Leioa together with the neighbours singing Christmas carols along the way. The itinerary is as follows: Elexalde Mill – Boulevard – Estartetxe – Iparragirre – Boulevard – Errekalde Plaza – Kultur Leioa – Elexalde Mill. Once the kalejira is over, at the Mill, the youngest children in the town will have the opportunity to meet both Olentzero and Mari Domingi.
In addition, on the last day of the year, on the 31st December during the morning in Errekalde Square, the ‘Campanadas Txiki’ (Txiki Bells) will also be held for the little ones to put the finishing touch to the year, creating a great festive atmosphere throughout the day.
Finally, on the 5th January during the afternoon, it is the turn of the Three Wise Men. The children have the opportunity to meet and greet their Majesties in Kultur Leioa and share their wishes and petitions with them.
More Christmas activities and plans
In the days leading up to Christmas and the arrival of Olentzero and Mari Domingi, keeping with the customs of the Basque Country, everyone who wants to, will be invited to taste the traditional roasted chestnuts on the Boulevard, thanks to the United Shops Association of Leioa, while enjoying the moment completely set to the music so characteristic of this time of the year.
On the other hand, there is also the possibility of sending letters to Olentzero and Mari Domingi to the children of Leioa, as well as to those who are no longer children. The letters can be deposited in the mailboxes set up in different parts of the municipality where everyone can freely express their wishes and petitions. The mailboxes are located in the following places: Kultur Leioa, Sports Centre, Pinueta Citizen’s Advice Service, and in the public schools of Lamiako, San Bartolomé, Txomin Aresti, Artatza, Altzaga.
Afterwards, the Three Wise Men will take over from Olentzero and Mari Domingi. Those who wish to do so can also send their letters to the Three Wise Men at Kultur Leioa, at the Sports Centre and at the Pinueta Citizen’s Advice Service.
Once the month of January has begun, and throughout the first week, various theatrical performances, children’s workshops, shows, etc. will be offered, aimed and focused especially at children and young people so that they can enjoy the local cultural offer through these days of school holidays. These activities will take place in Kandelazubieta. The Christmas concerts organised by the Leioa Municipal Conservatory will also be added to this programme.
Finally, and as a novelty, this year Leioa will be launching a new element to add to the Christmas decorations and lighting in the town; a large Christmas snow globe that will be placed in different areas of Leioa, where both children and adults can enter and play with the artificial snow that they will find inside, a good opportunity to photograph the moment and create their own Christmas card for families and friends.
Come and enjoy the Christmas holidays this year in Leioa, we are waiting for you! – LEIOA GUREA #leioatecuida #leioakzainduegitenzaitu
