This year's San Juan festivities in Garai will notably commemorate Javier Etxeita, a cherished figure for his dedication to traditional dance. Etxeita, affectionately known in the town as Duñabeiti or Garai, passed away on December 17th, and his absence will be deeply felt as these are the first San Juan celebrations without his active participation in dance and the festive atmosphere.
Born into a farming family, Etxeita was the youngest of five siblings. His passion for dance emerged early; at the age of eight, he learned the complete Dantzari Dantza, guided by his elder brother. He first appeared in the town square nearly 70 years ago, during the San Juan dance performance, where he danced the 'aurresku' and partnered with the young Juanita for the 'fandango'. Afterward, Etxeita performed the customary 'mokorkada'.
Over the years, Etxeita continued to spread his enthusiasm for dance, competing in 'aurresku' championships in the Durangaldea region and winning an edition held in Iurreta. He later rejoined the Garai dance group for adults, performing in various towns. About two decades ago, Etxeita observed a decline in young dancers in Garai. Concerned by this trend, he decided to address the issue by promoting the formation of a mixed-gender group, an innovative decision for that time. However, despite the mixed group's rehearsals, men continued to perform the Dantzari Dantza in the main town square on the most important day of the festivities, Santixau.
Etxeita never lost hope of seeing women perform the Dantzari Dantza on the town's main festival day. That day eventually arrived several years ago when some women from Garai approached him to learn the Dantzari Dantza. They began rehearsals, but were not ready for the main festival of 2023. Finally, in 2024, the significant day arrived: eight young women performed the Dantzari Dantza on the eve of Santixau, in the town square, as a final rehearsal. It was a deeply moving moment for Etxeita. After the dance, the women performed the 'erregelak' and brought the dancers out to the square to conclude the celebration with 'fandango' and 'arin-arin', at the request of the 'aurreskulari'. Etxeita proudly accepted the 'txapel morea' (purple cap) as a memento.
The dancer made his final appearance in the town square at the age of 65, shortly after retiring, on Santa Ana's day, twelve years ago. Although he was no longer dancing, Etxeita remained a dancer until his last day. The people of Garai will always remember him, including during these San Juan festivities, under the protection of the Momoitio hermitage and the local atmosphere, always dancing by the fire.
