The origin of the traditional Gaztelueta Sports Festival dates back to the year of its foundation in 1951, when two spontaneously two teams of the 2nd year (then the oldest in the school) played a very special final. The importance of this match was that it was refereed by Telmo Zarraonaindia himself, Zarra who later presented the cup to the winners. There was no public at this first Sports Festival, at least not as we understand it today, although the then dozens of pupils and teachers crowded in.
The following year, in 1952, it was already similar to the present one, although somewhat less crowded as the school then had 65 pupils. It was already well attended by the public and a number of different acts were performed, some of them quite far removed from sport, although in a spirit of sportsmanship.
In the Sports Festival, Gaztelueta presents itself historically, as is the tradition of a community, parading in front of those who have come to meet it. That is why, since its beginnings, it starts with a parade in which all the sections from Primary to Baccalaureate are presented and at the front of each one, the captain with his flag. The Gaztelueta flag, which opens the parade, is carried by the captain with the most votes. After the parade, the pupils are placed by sections on the football pitch and leave it once they have received the relevant trophies.
After the parade and the presentation of trophies, the ESO and Bachillerato pupils take part in the athletics competitions, while at the same time the more ingenious competitions of the primary school pupils take place on the football pitch.
The athletics events for the school's oldest pupils range from individual competitions of 80 and 400 metres to relay races of 4x80 metres, although without a doubt the most awaited moment for all those present is the final event; the giant relay in which two finalists from each year take part and which thrills all those present, when on the last bend, with the movement of the flags, you can sense the sprint to the finish line of the last relay.
For many years, The Gaztelueta Alumni also experience a very special moment at the Sports Festival.. Every year, dozens of former students from all over the country and even from abroad celebrate the 25th and 50th anniversary of their departure school reunion to relive their years at Gaztelueta, taking part in a final parade which puts the finishing touch to the Fiesta Deportiva.
The Alumni conclude their participation in the Sports Festival by paying tribute to the students of the 2nd Baccalaureate, making them a corridor before leaving the court while they enthusiastically greet family and friends who celebrate with them from the stands their lifelong membership of a school that has left an unmistakable mark on all of them.
At the end of the Sports Party, the 2nd year Baccalaureate students gather together with their parents in the Hall of the Central Pavilion to enjoy a meal together with their teachers. The meeting, which also has its own tradition, serves to put an end to the 2nd Baccalaureate classes before our students begin a more intensive preparation for the EBAU. It is also a moment of gratitude to celebrate the joint work of parents, teachers and students over the years.
