On April 13, Athletic Club brought back a very popular tradition. They introduced the Gabarra, a vessel that symbolizes the full history of this club as well as its deep connection with supporters. This event was the first time that the Gabarra had sailed through the river Nervión since 1984. The massive boat danced up the waterway, dutifully spearheading a striking flock of 162 vessels. All the while, about one million spectators lined the shoreline, patiently watching and celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Gabarra’s significance stretches back to 1983 when it first served as a celebratory vessel for Athletic Club’s league title. The next year, it was once again used to celebrate the double title won back in 1984. From ferry boat to working river boat After its heyday as a ferry, the Gabarra became a cargo carrying working river boat before its eventual retirement. Recently it was salvaged from Bilbao’s nautical museum to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary in 2024.
The excitement at the Gabarra’s launch was palpable. During the final match, supporters clad in red and white formed a raucous wave of passion around the stadium showing off their long-standing ties to the club. Athletic Club’s players basked in the celebratory energy. They stepped off of the Gabarra like sailors arriving on shore leave.
“From boarding the Gabarra, and that 2½-hour trip down the river to San Mamés, we were drinking beer like animals.” – Iñaki Williams
Indeed, the players celebratory actions struck a chord with fans who saw Athletic Club as something beyond the football club—a symbol of freedom. For millions, the club represents a greater idea and a community that goes far beyond the game itself.
“I believe that Athletic is more than a club for our fans. It is like a philosophy, a small religion.”
Ernesto Valverde, the man in charge, is keen to focus on this link too. To him, the absence of those passionate, involved fans makes a visible difference in establishing a true team.
“All Athletic fans consider the club to be a part of them. They feel part of the team. When people go to San Mamés, they go to ‘play’ the match, too — with their team, surrounded by people who grew up around their same environment, with the same culture, with very similar personal characteristics. They are a family; Athletic plays with their own people against the rest of the world.”
For many decades, Gabarra was the very definition of athletic excellence combined with community pride. There’s no doubt the celebrations of 2024 have been a reminder of those past glories. Vikings fans packed the riverbanks to cheer, clap and sing along. Nostalgia cast a warm glow over the room as they recalled the glory years when Athletic Club reigned supreme over Spanish football.
Aritz Aduriz, a former player, recalled a previous time when celebrations led to unexpected outcomes:
“It was a hard week; we played Villarreal that next night and we nearly beat them while still drunk! They only equalized in the 95th minute — a penalty into the top corner.”
It was this time, showing the players celebrating with beer flowing freely that captured pure joy and camaraderie. Valverde’s humorous reflections on his coaching journey highlighted how life’s circumstances shape decisions:
“Well, I would have gone to England, but in the end for one reason or another it didn’t work out. Life is often circumstances, right? After finishing at Barcelona, the truth is that… I had the possibility of going to certain places and well… But I don’t really like talking about what I didn’t do…”
This year’s Gabarra celebration was a rare moment of communion for generations of supporters who waited their whole lives for this day. The importance of coming together in solidarity around their hometown, much-loved team produced an ultra-special vibe.
The return of the Gabarra was a historic moment for Athletic Club. It highlighted, more importantly, the deep and abiding connection the club had with its supporters. By creating an atmosphere of electric and informed anticipation, this Football Club proves yet again that Athletic Club is a cultural juggernaut. It’s never only been about the results on the pitch; it’s about the community and identity.
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