In the territory where Álava's rural carnivals were revived before the language itself, most celebrations have maintained their melodies and dances without lyrics, and in other cases, Castilian Spanish songs have formed the basis of the renewed tradition. Currently, knowledge of Basque has significantly increased in Álava, offering a different sociolinguistic context to the rural carnivals of Álava as well.
The Basque Bertsolari Association continues to advance in its work on Álava's rural carnivals. Following the February festivities, it is now the turn of the botargos (traditional figures). Coinciding with the summer solstice, Katximorroa and the dancers are enlivening the streets of Laguardia.
Basque lyrics have been added to several traditional melodies from Laguardia and Rioja Alavesa.
Bertsolari Ekaitz Samaniego has adapted traditional melodies from Laguardia and Rioja Alavesa with Basque lyrics. Alongside Ekaitz Samaniego, Iris Torrego and Ainhoa Iñiguez have lent their voices, and words from the students of the public school Victor Tapia in Guardia are also included.
With the collaboration of the media outlet ALEA of Álava, image recordings and subsequent editing for the music video have been carried out. Musically, Mikel Goikuria and Garikoitz Garcia have once again undertaken the arrangement and editing of the melodies.
The music video corresponding to the Botarga of Oion, the 'Katxiaren itzulipurdi' celebrated in January, will also be available soon. The educational and outreach work concerning 5 rural carnivals and 2 botargos in Álava will be completed for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Zirriborrozikin (Natxo Vidal) and Katiux (Amaia Garmendia) were responsible for creating the character images on this occasion.
