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San Prudencio's day is one of the biggest events of the year for the people of Álava: 28th April is marked in red on their calendar because one of the highlights of the festivities takes place then, the popular procession.
Thousands of people head to the basilica of Armentia in procession, where they revere the relics of local saint San Prudencio (St. Prudence), patron saint of the historic region of Álava. After the religious ceremony, the festivities begin in the surrounding area, which is already packed with stalls of all kinds. But it isn't just one day, as the celebrations last until 1st May, when there is another procession to the sanctuary church of Estíbaliz.
Food competitions, an aurresku dancing competition, demonstrations of Basque country sports... Want to know more about this much-loved festivity? Let us tell you some interesting facts!
San Prudencio was born and lived in Armentia and was an anchorite, a kind of hermit who devoted his whole life to prayer and penitence in a remote place. He was made the patron saint of Álava in the mid-17th century and since then a festive homage has been paid to him on 28th April every year.
This is the call to the festivity, the signal that it's San Prudencio. It has its origins in the 19th century and, while it originally happened at the town hall, today the signal is given at the Palacio de la Provincia.
Naturally, one of the customs of this day has to do with food! It's the tradition to eat caracoles y perretxikos during this celebration: snails in a tomato and vegetable sauce with sautéed mushrooms.
While the festivities today are centred in the locality of Armentia, up until the 60s the biggest events took place in the old town of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Since then, events like the pontifical mass and the procession with the saint have taken place in Armentia.
It is a "modern tradition" as it has only been celebrated for a few years. It was born in 1975 and is inspired by the tamborrada of San Sebastian. Today more than 20 Gastronomic Societies take part. They parade dressed as chefs and cooks and go through the streets of the Old Quarter and the city centre, with the help of the rhythm of the txistus and drums.
Come along, experience it for yourself and find out lots more about the San Prudencio's day customs. See you in Armentia on 28th April?