Leioa stands proud, overlooking the Abra, the mouth of the estuary.
The town’s history is linked – as is the case of many towns in the Uribe region – with the historical Battle of the Bands, between the noble families of Biscay, the numerous scattered homesteads and the birth of the village itself.
Leioa is noteworthy for its varied character. In addition to its tradition of agriculture and cattle-farming, it also developed a fishing industry, a merchant fleet transporting cargo by barge and tow rope, water mills on the Gobela river, a railway system, charcoal burning and many architectural projects.
Industrialisation and most importantly the great change undergone in the 1960s with the setting up of several big companies, led to Leioa becoming a town which was constantly transforming and evolving. Leioa’s inhabitants enjoy a wide cultural and leisure offer, especially thanks to the local fiestas, celebrated in spring and autumn.
Some of the most interesting fiestas include the comedy festival, Umore Azoka, Lamiako’s mythological celebration, the Maskarada, the midsummer bonfires celebrating Saint John in Elexalde, the Marmitako (local tuna stew) competition in Basaez or the Biscay Aurresku (traditional Basque ceremonial dance) championships in Ondiz.
