Basque Country celebrates major music festivals in Irati and Bilbao

The 20th‑anniversary Festilasai festival took place in the Irati neighbourhood of Miarritze, Gipuzkoa, offering a two‑day programme of live music, skate‑park events, graffiti and diverse performances ranging from punk and metal to Caribbean psychedelia. Organisers kept ticket prices low – €15 for a two‑day pass – and emphasized a free, inclusive atmosphere while promoting environmental responsibility.

Meanwhile, the fifth edition of the Bilbao Blues Festival attracted thousands of attendees despite heavy rain. International acts such as Skyler Saufley performed for the first time in Spain, and local groups like Travellin' Brothers received the festival honour. Director Carlos Malles praised the audience’s resilience and highlighted the event’s role in positioning Bilbao as an "international blues capital".

Both festivals underscore the Basque Country’s vibrant cultural scene and its capacity to host large‑scale music events that draw visitors from across Europe.