The Naturaren doinuak festival was conceived with the aim of promoting social development through music, dance, and literature. What began as a single-day event has, five years later, transformed into a full weekend festival and an active social project throughout the year. The festival's founder has expressed enthusiasm for this evolution, highlighting how a humble initial event has grown into a social project linked to cultural promotion, fulfilling a long-held dream.
“"Since I had cancer, and art helped me so much, I thought it could also help others."
The project blossomed during the pandemic, in 2021, when the founder found solace in music and nature during her oncological process. In its first year, a performance combining music, dance, and literature was held in the grounds of the Ur mara museum, in the forest, as a response to the lockdown. For the second year, a full-day program was prepared, and collaboration began with the Izan Iñurri association to raise awareness and visibility for women who have had or are currently battling cancer.
In the 2023 edition, collaboration deepened with the Aspanogi association, which works with minors with cancer and their families. Six-month workshops based on music and movement were conducted in a school to foster group cohesion. The festival expanded from a one-day event to a full weekend plan, with each day having its own theme: desires, intergenerational relationships, and the Naturaren doinuak day. Furthermore, the need to promote culture in rural areas like Alkiza and the importance of ensuring accessibility were emphasized, advocating for culture as a universal right.
Last year, the workshops were further intensified with the Gautena association and the Herrikide school, working with autistic individuals and their families. This edition allowed children and young people to see that many things can be done outside conventional paths, addressing the lack of role models. The communication technician from the Gautena association highlighted the project's benefits, noting that families felt comfortable and free from pressure. To raise awareness about autism, the song Agian Infinitoa was created for the Urdinduz solidarity march, and a choreography was prepared with the Klaap dance school.
This year, the festival has been moved forward by three weeks and will take place from May 22nd to 24th in Alkiza, to avoid clashes with other events. This edition is full of novelties and has involved collaboration with collectives that have participated in previous years, with the addition of the Atzegi association, which works with people with intellectual disabilities. Workshops have been held in three schools, featuring diverse role models such as dancers, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. On May 22nd, the Naturaren doinuak conferences will be held, addressing topics such as intercultural education, access to culture, and environmental health. Additionally, an open mic music event and various workshops will be offered to extend the work done in schools to the general public.




