|
Semana Santa (Easter week) sees much activity throughout the regon. Bilbao marks the occasion with a number of serious hooded processions accompanied by mournful drums and cornets, from Passion Friday onwards. One of the best known Easter events is in the western Vizcayan town of Balmaseda where the stations of the Cross are re-enacted by residents. The moving performance is taken very seriously; the person who is to play Christ begins to study the role three years in advance. Hondarribia also puts on a similar play. In the village of Salinas de Añana, Alava, Judas is put on trial, convicted and then burned; the poor guy must be wondering when he's going to get an even break. First Sunday after Easter sees an encierro (running of bulls) on the beach in the town of Zumaia to celebrate the day of San Telmo. San Prudencio's day (28th) is celebrated throughout Alava with tamborradas, an enactment of his life is given in Vitoria the night before.
|
