Getaria remembers Elkano

On 7th August, the Basque fishing-village of Getaria remembers their favourite son with a re-enactment of his return to Spain.

Statue of Juan Sebastian Elkano. Photo: Wikipedia

On 6th September 1522, Juan Sebastián Elcano sailed into Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz) on completing the first ever voyage around the world. He arrived starving, barefoot and clothed in rags together with 18 of the more than 200 sailors who 1,124 days before had embarked from Seville at the service of Ferdinand Magellan.

On 7th August 2009, the inhabitants of Getaria will pay homage once again to their distinguished son with an accurate performance of the landing. Every four years since 1922 the small port is packed full of people who come from all around to watch the dirty-looking Elcano disembark from the Nao Victoria along with 18 sailors. All of them come carrying candles and walk to the church to give thanks to the Virgin for their safe passage home.

After getting dressed up, the actors recreate the moment in which Elcano presented himself before the emperor Carlos I who, back in 1522, recognised the heroic deed by granting the explorer a coat of arms. Following the act, the inhabitants of Getaria sing an ode in honour of Elcano.

The historic performance takes place every four years as part of the San Salvador timetable of festivities. The day is not complete without the medieval fair, which, from the morning onwards, helps create a mood and atmosphere that makes way for the 'arrival' of Juan Sebastián Elcano in the afternoon.

This year is especially significant, since the town of Getaria celebrates the 800th anniversary of its foundation. In order to give even more bearing to the event, this year organisers have hired a replica of the ship Victoria, which will be open to visitors.