The lockdown and the worst moments of the health crisis are left behind. In the permanent memory of those who have left, it is the responsibility of all to care for those who are sick or frightened. But life continues its path, building every day the quality of the new normality. While governments have opened companies, shops, bars and election campaigns, some mayors have made decisions about summer parties and, taking advantage of the state of emergency, have left the party and txosnas commissions constituted by popular movements.

Given this situation, several groups participating in the organization of popular festivities (Bilboko Konpartsak, Donostiako Piratak, Herri Sanfermin, Federación de Peñas de Pamplona, Txosnas de Vitoria and Associations de blusas y Neskas) published a joint statement. “While we citizens have realized the importance of mutual care, recentralization and the desire to defend health and life, the authorities have realised that the popular festivities are taking place. We have been rejected, we have not been told. Once again, they have left the popular festivities in the background, regardless of the participation of the citizens,” they denounced.

As is well known, parties are essential to build our neighborhood and citizenship. So why is there no place for parties in the new normalcy? Why is it not possible to adapt to this new situation the local holidays which are so important from a religious and Community point of view? In the Basque Country there are 686 municipalities and there will be new ways to celebrate the holidays. As the popular agents of the capitals say, “in these tough times, we citizens need more than ever the joy, the color, the collectivity that the parties give us. For this reason, we call on all the party commissions of the Basque Country to organize themselves in favor of the popular festivities and, with all the health and safety measures, to make an innovative offer”. We organize and enjoy safe and healthy holidays.