Basque performing arts festivals announced for Lekeitio and Bilbao

Two major performing arts festivals are scheduled to take place in the Basque Country.

The Euskal Zine Bilera, the oldest film festival dedicated to Basque-language cinema, will celebrate its 49th edition in Lekeitio from October 14 to 18. The festival is undergoing a structural transformation to expand its reach and deepen its local roots. This year has seen a significant increase in submissions, nearly doubling previous numbers, making the selection process for the official program particularly challenging. The event will feature official screenings, workshops, and discussions, and will present the Euskal Zinearen Begirada Award to actor Jose Ramon Soroiz.

In Bilbao, the BAD Bilbao festival for contemporary dance and theatre will run from Thursday until October 25. The 28th edition features 17 companies performing 17 shows, including six from the Basque Country, seven from Spain, and four international productions. The programming includes premieres and specialized meetings focused on dance, dramatic arts, education, and research. Performances will be held across various venues, including La Fundición, Harrobia, and Bilborock.