The mayor of Vitoria apologizes to Celedon after criticizing the mixing of politics and parties in the balance sheet of the White Virgin

The mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz ,Maider Etxebarria, has apologized to Iñaki Kerejazu, who plays Celedon, after being criticizedfor remembering the 3 March massacre in his speech on the balcony on the occasion of the festivities.

At a press conferenceon Monday to explain the balance of the festivities, the mayor was asked about Celedon's speech and replied that "he has every respect for the demands that Iñaki Kerejazu may have", although he insisted that neither parties nor politics should be confused .

However, a few hours later, in a message posted on social network X, the mayor qualified: "The speed and tiredness of politics sometimes lead to misconduct, so I would like to explain something: I have not been lucky in the balance sheet of the White Virgin to refer to the politicization of parties by some (with polemics related to banners and flags) when asked about Celedon's words about March 3."

"My full support forIñaki Kerejazu, I want to apologize, and I want to convey my memory to the victims of 1976. My intention is by no means to tarnish the collective memory of that tragedy, let alone on its 50th anniversary, "he said.

"They've been great parties, almost round."

With regard to the balance of the holidays, the mayor has described them as "unparalleled, almost round", with massive participation, no increase in crime and no serious sexual assault.

Etxebarria appeared accompanied by Culture Councilwoman Sonia Díaz de Corcuera a few hours after Celedon returned to the San Miguel Tower this morning to end this year's festivities.

The mayor has made a very positive assessment, highlighting that in the descent of Celedonthere were 70,000 people, and this morning, in its rise, about 40,000.

He has also explained that crime has been maintained, with 395 complaints (four more than last year) and the protocol for serious sexual assault has not been activated, with four complaints against sexual freedom, which last year was eight, with 46 arrests and 53 persons investigated .

With regard to the prevention of sexual assault, the purple spot has served 11,000 people who have approached for information, 4,000 of whom have been men.

The main concerts, in the Plaza de los Fueros, have brought together 50,500 people, the largest being Celtas Cortos, with 11,000, followed by SA and Leire Martínez.

The vervain orchestras of the Plaza de España (45,000 people) and the humorous corners of the Prado Park (about 20,000 people watching monologues) have also been very successful.

Among the negative points, the mayor has criticized the "vandalism" that led to the suspension of the fire bull one day and the increase in garbage collected after the descent of Celedon (3,900 kilograms of waste, 1,200 more) dueto this year's "fashion" of wett-shirts in p laza.

Etxebarria has also sent a message condemning the attacks on several Ertzainas during an arrest during the holidays.

Looking ahead, the mayor and councilman have admitted that they will study the little walk, which this year has only released one tour and continues to be a success, but they regret that it "gets too long", although they remember that the new route was agreed with the gangs.