TRADITIONS
We hold the patron saint festivals of the different neighbourhoods of Leioaztar from May to September.
In a pleasant and fun atmosphere, traditions are combined with family and sporting activities along with traditional open-air celebrations.
Featuring marmitako and cod contests, rural sports, Basque dances, traditional products for sale and many other activities.
SAN JUAN
Along with San Juan bonfires and its akelarre the Leioa festivities take place, attended by the town as a whole: children’s games, pilgrimages, concerts, Basque sports exhibitions, gastronomic competitions….
The more than 90 “cuadrillas” (groups) descend in their costumes and floats, marking the main heartbeat and preceding the txupinazo and the opening speech by Mari Pepa and Arlote.
Peru Arloteagabeitia (Arlote) and Mari Pepa Ernegateco are characters invented by Alberto San Cristóbal and Jesús Basáñez who represent an amusing villager and his wife, a shopkeeper, who lived in Leioa.
Nowadays, they are performed during the festivities by iconic individuals from Leioa who are in charge of the opening speech.
LAmiako MASKARADA
Lamiako
Ever since 1979, and thanks to the Leioako Maskarada association that holds it on the last Friday in May and during the San Máximo festivities, you can’t miss an appointment with the history of our town and its mythology.
Lamiako Maskarada is a festive event that originates in the legend of the Lamias and brings together a variety of myths and legends of Euskal Herria.
It is a great festival combining music and dance to unite myths and people, providing them a distinct identity.
Lamiak or Laminak
Lamiak are mythological genies that have duck feet, a fishtail and some kind of bird’s claws.
The lamiak are almost always female characters of extraordinary beauty.
They live in rivers and springs, where they usually comb their long hair with precious golden combs.
They are usually gentle and stealing their combs is the only way to infuriate them.
They are believed to have helped men in the construction of dolmens, cromlechs and bridges.
Learn more about Lamiako Maskarada
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