The town of Gernika-Lumo honored the victims of the 1937 bombing by the German Legión Cóndor and Italian aviation on Sunday. The central event at Zallo cemetery featured a floral tribute led by mayor José María Gorroño and lehendakari Imanol Pradales, followed by a mass.
The central event began at 16:30 at Zallo cemetery, attended by residents, politicians, and officials. Mayor Gorroño, joined by lehendakari Pradales, Basque Parliament president Bakartxo Tejería, and Bizkaia deputy general Elixabete Etxanobe, spoke in memory of the "tragic events" 89 years ago. A prayer for the victims was held at the exact time of the attack.
The tolling of the bell recovered from the ruined San Juan church accompanied the floral tribute. Wreaths were laid by the mayor, Pradales, Tejería, Etxanobe, Ana Otadui (president of Bizkaia's Juntas), Fernando Martínez (State Secretary for Historical Memory), ambassadors from Azerbaijan and Armenia, Global Sumud Flotilla representatives, and local foundations. George Barton Steer, son of journalist George L. Steer, and bombing survivors received applause for their wreath.
Following the tribute, a solemn mass took place, ending with a violin quartet playing 'Agur Jauna' and 'Gernikako Arbola'. Throughout the day, a sculpture declaring Gernika a 'Place of Memory' was inaugurated, a tribute to Steer was held, Gernika Peace Awards went to the Global Sumud Flotilla and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, survivors shared a lunch, white doves were released, and air raid sirens were reproduced.
