San Ignacio Day celebrations attract many people to Etxebarria

Celebrations began with a bertso-mass and continued with rural sports and food and drink.

Generic image of a celebration inside a Basque church.
IA

Generic image of a celebration inside a Basque church.

Etxebarria has celebrated San Ignacio Day with numerous events, including a bertso-mass, food and drink service, and rural sports.

Etxebarria experienced a crowded celebration for San Ignacio Day. To kick off the event, a bertso-mass was held, filling the church with attendees. After the regular mass, bertsolaris, including Mikel Etxezarreta, Eneko Araiztegi, Aratz Igartzabal, and Iker Zubeldia, performed improvising verses. They offered moving verses in memory of the shepherd Jose Luis Uribe-Etxebarria "Txantxangorri", who died in the snowfall last November.
Following the bertso session, attendees had the opportunity to gather at the 'fonda', have drinks, and taste the prepared chorizo. Food and drink service was available throughout the day.
At 1:00 PM, it was time for rural sports. Spectators enjoyed exhibitions by aizkolaris (wood choppers), harrijasotzailes (stone lifters), and various other sports, in an exceptional atmosphere. Additionally, musicians Sukia and Marki provided music for the day-long celebration.