Across the Basque Country, the carnival, known as Ihauteriak in Basque, is celebrated through songs, dances, music, and theatre. This deeply rooted traditional festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, bringing communities together in a festive atmosphere.
Iconic Characters
Ihauteriak feature symbolic characters that represent different beliefs and customs:
- Hartza (the bear): Symbolises hibernation and the arrival of spring. The village youth make noise to wake it up and mark the end of winter.
- The Joaldunak: Dressed in sheepskins, wearing pointed hats and bells on their chests, they crack whips in the air to ward off evil spirits.
- Zanpantzar: Embodies the excesses and misfortunes of the past year. The village youth put him on trial, declare him guilty, and burn him in the village square to turn the page on the old year.
Joaldunak in Hendaye (Lapurdi)
Zanpantzar in Bayonne (Lapurdi)
Unique celebrations by Province
Iparralde (Northern Basque Country)
Labourd (Lapurdi)
- The carnival unfolds in two stages:
- Etxez etxe: A house-to-house tour where young people sing and dance in exchange for food and drink.
- The day of the carnival: A grand festive gathering in the village.
Lower Navarre (Baxe Nafarroa)
- Libertimendua: A street theatre performance where actors, musicians, and dancers parody village life and current events in a satirical manner.
Libertimendua a Bidarray, Dimanche 6 Fevrier 2022. (Photo Bob Edme)
Soule (Zuberoa)
- Maskarada: Each year, one village is chosen to organise a series of Sunday parades in the surrounding villages. Participants dress as traditional characters, singing, dancing, and playfully criticising local society.
Hegoalde (Southern Basque Country)
Biscay (Bizkaia)
- The Carnivals of Mundaka and Bilbao are among the most famous. In Mundaka, locals dress as Atorrak (white costumes with red scarves) and Lamiak (mythological creatures). Bilbao hosts a large parade with floats and satirical performances.
Lamiak à Mundaka
Gipuzkoa
- Tolosa’s Carnival is one of the liveliest in the Basque Country. For several days, the town transforms into a giant festival with parades, concerts, and masquerades where everyone dresses up.
Navarre (Nafarroa)
- Lantz and its mythical character Miel Otxin: In Lantz, a giant representing a legendary bandit is captured, put on trial, and burned in the village square, symbolising the banishment of winter’s evil spirits.
Álava (Araba)
- Salvatierra-Agurain’s Carnival is characterised by street performances and traditional dances. The festivities often include satirical portrayals of local news and events.
Ihauteriak is more than just a carnival: it is a living expression of Basque culture, rich in symbols and traditions, celebrated uniquely in each province.
