Every 16th July, the Day of the Virgen del Carmen, Santurtzi decks out its streets and the effigy of the Virgin belonging to the parish church of San Jorge is carried through the streets.
However, given the maritime nature of what used to be the main inshore fishing port in Biscay, the procession in Santurtzi is clearly maritime in nature and is the oldest in the Basque Country.
During the procession the fishermen, the daughters and granddaughters of sardine sellers, together with the authorities, dance groups and music bands carry the effigy of the Virgen del Carmen from her church to the fishing harbour, where she is placed on a longboat. Once out at sea, the boats -bedecked for the occasion- accompany her as far as El Abra, where a floral offering is made in memory of the arrantzales (fishermen/seafarers) who have died.
Back on land again, the dance groups pay tribute to the sardine sellers of Santurtzi with a traditional dance. Indeed, Santurtzi (Santurce) is well-known for its sardineras, who, barefoot and carrying a basket on their heads, go down the estuary to the market in Bilbao to sell their famous sardines.
Establishments nearby
Plaza Juan José Mendizabal 4 (Santurtzi)
Bars and cafés | Restaurants
0.11 km
Puerto de Bilbao – Cafetería y restaurante
Muelle Reina Victoria. Edificio oficinas generales. Muelles de la ampliación (Santurtzi)
Bars and cafés | Restaurants
0.66 km
Accommodation nearby
