The institutionalization of gender-based violence in the Alardes of Bidasoaldea

Abstract

The Alardes of Irun (San Marcial, June 30th) and Hondarribia (Virgin of Guadalupe, September 8th) continue to hit the news on account of a conflict that arises from the confrontation between positions for and against the equal participation of women and men in the parades. Since 2002 there have an egalitarian and a discriminatory parade in each town. With their institutionalizion, the conflict has stabilized and the violent attacks on those defending equality have become fewer and less virulent. Despite the Law of Equality (2005) forbidding the organization of discriminatory events, the discriminatory parade receives the permission and protection of the local council and the police, whilst the egalitarian Alarde receives no council support, insufficient police protection and is subject to violence or the constant threat of it. This article reviews the violence in the Alardes in the last decade and argues that it is a symptom of the asymmetric gender system that prevails in society.