One of the most important and emblematic figures of Santurtzi is that of the “sardinera”, vigorous and clever women, who in addition to the management of the household, were dedicated to the sale of fish, an activity with which they provided a supplement to the family, in some cases higher than that of the fishermen themselves.
They began their work from a very young age, going down to the port in the mornings to help their mothers and gradually learning the trade. The battle for the best fish for sale began in the port, and the race to sell the first pieces did not stop until the gates of Bilbao and nearby towns.
At first, they would walk around barefoot, their skirts rolled up and carrying a basket over their heads, which could weigh up to 20 kilos. When the tram was finally built, it had a great impact in their life quality.
In 1964, a sculpture made of copper by the Bilbao sculptor J. Lucarini was installed in their honour.
Furthermore, on the 50th birthday of the installation of the monument, Santurtzi began to celebrate the Day of the Sardinera; a tribute to the woman from Santurtzi, embodied in our most universal figure.
Although today there are hardly any old-fashioned sardineras, their graceful ways feed the collective imagination and are recreated in folklore and festive activities.
Opposite the La Sardinera promenade stand the fishermen's cottages and a little further on there is a monument to the Gómez-Marañón brothers, who were teachers at the old Santurtzi Nautical Training School.
