To mark the summer solstice, Artziniega is hosting an ethnographic festival today dedicated to Basque mythology. The event will commence at 8:00 PM with the horn call by master craftsman Juan Antonio Alaña, followed by a traditional parade featuring animals and mythological beings.
This year, the parade will feature significant novelties. According to Teresa Lafragua, a member of the ethnographic association Artea, new masks inspired by mythology will be unveiled. Additionally, two dragons previously carried by children have been replaced with new creations by painter and illustrator Berta Tolosa.
Various pieces created by different artists will also be on display, including Akerbeltz (the billy goat that presided over akelarres), Marigorringo (ladybug), Marraskilo (snail), Ipurtargi (firefly), or Zizarea (worm), alongside creations like Basajaun (the protective lord of the forest). Many of these were crafted by sculptor Xabier Santxotena, who last year equipped them with wheeled platforms to facilitate their transport by students from the local school Arteko Gure Ama.
The procession will be enlivened by the drums of Builaka and the local Basque dance group. As night falls, a bonfire will be lit, where attendees can cast their written wishes into the flames for purification. The festival will also include a tasting of blood sausage and chocolate, and a romeria (folk festival) accompanied by trikitilaris Lander Txato and Aitor Aspuru.
Separately, the akelarre organized by the feminist group Otsemeak from Amurrio will also mark the summer's arrival in Aiaraldea. This Friday, June 26th, at 10:30 PM in the park, they will dance around the fire as a protest against injustices suffered by women throughout history.
