Music, literature and football at The Cathedral

Thursday's edition of 'Letters and Football' explored the intersection of music, literature and football thanks to our two distinguished speakers: Diego Ibáñez, lead singer of Madrid-based indie rock band Carolina Durante, and Javier Aznar, a talented writer and journalist.

From the outset, Javier took the lead in the conversation, having grown accustomed to this role through his work as host of the “Hotel Jorge Juan” podcast, where he interviews various figures from the world of culture and art.

Both football fans and Real Madrid supporters, they made no secret of their fondness for Athletic Club. “The Cathedral is impressive,” the singer admitted, whilst Aznar praised Ernesto Valverde and even revealed that a distant relative of his, Roberto de Arteche, had been president of Athletic Club.

The rapport between Diego and Javier – old friends – became clear as the conversation progressed. Javier went through the Carolina Durante's songs, which, in one way or another, football plays a central role, particularly the hit “Hamburguesas” and “El himno títular”.

Both of them proudly declared themselves football fans, setting themselves apart from those artists and intellectuals who seem to hide their passion as if it were something to be ashamed of.. 

All in all, it was a very entertaining and interesting conversation – spontaneous, natural, full of anecdotes, jokes and interesting facts.

Friday at 19:00, Irvine Welsh and Amets Arzallus. Simultaneous translation English – Basque

It's time for the highlight of this 17th edition of 'Letters and Football', as we welcome celebrated Scottish writer Irvine Welsh to Bilbao for a converstation with Basque poet and writer Amets Arzallus.

Irvine Welsh is a writer, playwright and screenwriter known for the raw and direct style through which he portrays the lives of Scotland’s working class. The novel “Trainspotting” (1993) established Irvine as an international figure and was made into a film by Danny Boyle in 1996.

Amets Arzallus is a bertsolari (Basque spoken-word poet), journalist and writer, and was crowned Basque spoken-word poetry champion in 2013. Amets contributes to various media outlets and is a leading figure in promoting the bertso tradition.

In the literary world, his book 'Miñan', co-written with its protagonist, Ibrahima Balde, has touched the hearts of readers around the world, including the late Pope Francis.

The conversation between the two is the most eagerly awaited event of the 2026 “Letters and Football” festival. Admission is free, via Gate 14 at San Mamés.