Celebration of the 500th anniversary of the circumnavigation by Elcano

The 1,124-day-long voyage aboard the Nao Victoria culminated with the disembarkation on 6 September 1522 on the coast of Cádiz. A historic moment that has been re-enacted in Getaria, the birthplace of the navigator, every four years for just over a century - it began in 1922 - and that next Tuesday 6th September will see a new edition.

Getaria will once again pay homage to its illustrious navigator through a faithful recreation of the “disembarkation of Elcano”. The survivors of the crew will disembark from the caravel in the town’s port at around 17:00 hours.
It will be the finishing touch to several days of celebration, as the town has a varied programme of activities, including a performance by Esne Beltza and an exhibition of costumes in the Balenciaga Museum inspired by the sailor.
For its part, Zarautz will also join in the celebrations of this historic event, coinciding with the municipality’s Euskal Astea. The coastal town will celebrate Elcano’s heroic deed on the Zarautz vessel Victoria with a kalejira of giants, big-heads and trikitilaris from 11:30 a.m. onwards. Afterwards, there will be a popular barbecue with cider and txakoli tasting and a bertsos session. The day will end in the afternoon with a pilgrimage and a music festival with performances and local groups.