The Dream Goes On

In Bizkaia, children’s Christmas cards, the wishes they make at the end of the year, have a common element. Toys have changed and customs have changed, but there is something that has not changed in our dreams. After 121 years of history, Bizkaia is still dreaming of Athletic Club in some way: the children are excited to play in San Mamés; the elders imagining epic matches, European classifications, a final, the “Gabarra”.. The dream continues more alive than ever, because the inheritance transmitted between generations has penetrated society more beyond football. The communion between the Club and the fans is so genuine, the sense of belonging is such, that dreams are shared, because Athletic also dreams of the children of Bizkaia playing in its teams. It could not be otherwise in a unique club with a unique philosophy.

This is our particular Christmas greeting: Iñaki Williams acts as Olentzero, Ainhoa Tirapu becomes Maridomingi and Aduriz, Muniain, Marta and Nekane play the happy galtzagorris. In the Basque Country Olentzero is the equivalent of Santa. He is a mythical Basque character who is widely portrayed as a messenger who cries out that it is Christmas time throughout all the corners of the Basque Country. He is also known as the coal man who comes down from the mountains on his pottok (wild Basque horse) to hand out presents to children. Chestnuts and wine are given to the villagers. By tradition, on December 24, the Basque television and radio stations broadcast that the Olentzero has begun his journey from the mountains to children’s homes. Mari Domingi is the woman who lives with Olentzero on the mountain and accompanies him in each of his jobs. Finally, the galtzagorriz are elves who make sure that all gifts are ready for all children