San Antolín Festivities in Plentzia

Plentzia's San Antolín festivities are closely associated with the estuary, the Astillero and the town's maritime memory. Antolintxu and Madalentxu, the celebration's central characters, arrive from Isuskitza aboard a gabarra before several days of community events unfold.

When the festivities take place

San Antolín's feast day is 2 September. The programme usually begins in late August and culminates on that date; the 2026 edition runs from 28 August to 2 September.

See the 2026 San Antolín festivities programme for Plentzia.

Festival venues

The Astillero is one of the principal meeting points. The annual programme also uses the Jai Alai frontón, Erribera, the futsal ground, the church square, the harbour and other places in Plentzia. The venue depends on the activity.

Antolintxu, Madalentxu and the gabarra

Local memory recounts that Antolintxu and Madalentxu travel from Isuskitza along the estuary each year in a wooden gabarra, a flat-bottomed vessel used for centuries to carry people and goods. Today's festival boat is an oak reproduction of the former Isuskitza, built through community participation in 2024 and maintained by the Antolintxus y Madalentxus association.

Events and traditions

  • The reception of Antolintxu and Madalentxu, txupinazo and procession up to Andra Mari.
  • Food events, competitions and shared meals.
  • Music, romerías, dancing, playback contests and street entertainment.
  • Sport and games for several age groups.
  • Mass and aurresku in honour of San Antolín on 2 September.
  • The farewell to the festival characters at the close.

Sources

Today's international trade fair

You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.