Villa de Portugalete

The Dominguines are two large rag dolls that hang from a rope, whose ends are tied to the ledges of two balconies in the street Calle Coscojales. They are raised on 1 st July each year, thereby signalling the start of the festivals in honour of the Virgen de la Guia.

The Dominguines were a married couple: the husband was called Domingo and the wife's name was Dominga.

The festivals end with the traditional burning of the "Jarrilla", the mascot and queen of the festival, whose origin lies in the nickname given to local barrel-makers, for their long-standing habit of drinking out of those little jugs. The Jarrilla is set on fire in the middle of the river and fireworks burst out from inside.

Given the figures involved and the manner in which it is held in Portugalete, the "Burial of the Sardine", marking the end of the Carnival, is considered to be unique in the Basque Country.

Held by the light of a lantern and to the sound of a bell tolling, the burial of the sardine is attended by a large group of fishermen and women, dressed in their yellow oilskins and carrying their boathooks.