This year, Sagardoetxea commemorates its 20th anniversary, maintaining its efforts in promoting cider culture, preserving heritage, and disseminating knowledge related to cider making. To celebrate this milestone, a special open-door day has been organized for September 12th, featuring a comprehensive program of activities.
Two decades since its inception, Sagardoetxea has worked to foster an understanding of cider as more than just a beverage: it represents culture, living heritage, landscape, gastronomy, and the way of life of a community. Beyond the apple orchards, farmhouses, and traditional cider presses (dolareak), the world of cider encompasses traditions, vocabulary, music, and celebrations passed down through generations.
Over the past 20 years, the institution has strived to bring this heritage closer to citizens and visitors, offering experiences to discover, live, and share the culture of cider. Therefore, the best way to celebrate the anniversary is not only to reflect on the journey undertaken but also to share cider culture with the public and keep it vibrant for the future.
“"The best way to celebrate these 20 years is to open our doors to all citizens and offer them the opportunity to enjoy cider culture."
In this regard, a celebratory day will take place at Sagardoetxea on September 12th. Furthermore, the Udazken Zaporez program, scheduled throughout this autumn, will follow the same theme with various activities and proposals related to cider culture.
“"Cider culture is not something of the past, but a living tradition and culture."
Illustrating this point, as highlighted by Xabier Urdangarin, the mayor of Astigarraga, guided tours will be conducted on October 24th and 31st as part of the Dolareak project. "A year ago, we began the restoration work on the Erbetegi-Etxeberri traditional cider press with vocational training students from Lapurdi, Navarra, and Donostia. This year, within the framework of the European Heritage Days, guided tours will be offered to introduce this heritage to the public," stated the mayor.
