- The World Athletics Championships in Seville disguised themselves all, and at the opening ceremony a number of activists entered calling for the repatriation of Basque political prisoners. Millions of people watched the action live on television.
The World Athletics Championship began in Seville on 20 August 1999. The opening ceremony, conducted by journalist Carlos Herrera, was broadcast on television worldwide. A few days earlier, the Director of the National Police, Juan Cotino, gave a press conference to report on the security measures taken: “The National Police has been working at national and international level for over eight months, in cooperation with Europola and Interpol.” At the inaugural ceremony, however, two activists disguised as mascot Giraldilla surpassed all controls and faced the main stage.
Among those carried out in the context of disobedience and direct action, Giraldillensa is one of the most memorable actions for prisoners, for the enjoyment of thousands of Basque citizens and the anger of many.