A popular festivity
Zapato azule is a popular festivity held on the last weekend in June in Ondarroa, a picturesque town on the Biscay coast and one of the biggest fishing harbours in the Basque Country.
Zapato azule (Blue Saturday) takes its name from the colour of the traditional ‘Mahón’ shirts (typical clothing of seafarers) that has become the festive ‘uniform’ of the Biscay coast. Everyone attending the festivity is dressed this way.
It lasts all day, filling the streets of the old part of Ondarroa with a festive atmosphere. It has a marked popular character, but when it began 20 years ago the ondarrutarras had no idea that it would become such an essential event in the festive calendar of Biscay. The town fills up with visitors wishing to join in the celebration of Zapato azule.
Zapatu azule in Ondarroa
Among the ceremonies held during Zapatu azule in Ondarroa two should not be missed: La feria de camisetas de Euskal Herria (T-shirt fair of the Basque Country), with 20 stands and camiseteros from all over the Basque Country, and the Dinamartxa, a mountain bike race over the hills between Tolosa and Ondarroa that ends in a swimming crossing of the estuary as a tribute to the late local triathlete Dina Bilbao.
Zapato azule is a festive day out on the streets for people who love hustle-bustle and general fun, but it is not the only festivity held in Ondarroa. From 14th to 17th August Andramaxak takes place, the town’s patron saint festivities that start with the bajada (descent) of the popular figure Leokadi and end with the celebration of the Dìa del Marinero (Day of the Seafarer).
This section is dedicated to festivities, but we would certainly recommend a calmer visit to Ondarroa any time of the year to get to know its Historic Quarter, with a marked maritime feel, that maintains its mediaeval layout. Its Monumental Ensemble has been declared a Cultural Asset by the Basque Government.
Ondarroa. Vizcaya
Find out about other fishing towns in Disfruta Bizkaia.
Establishments nearby
Accommodation nearby
