Focus on the Basque carnival
The Basque carnival is something very special. During the month of February, this eagerly-awaited event brings together a host of fantastic characters: superheroes, the Joaldunak with its pointed headdress, dancers and more. The event is above all marked by the ancestral dance. It takes place in the villages of Lantz, Ituren and Zubieta. The Basque carnival is characterized by unique rites, such as the awakening of the bear. This marks the end of winter! Make the most of your stay at our Pays Basque campsite to discover its carnivals.
Characteristics of Basque carnival
Although carnivals take place all over the world, those held in many Basque villages are very special. You can still find carnivals deeply rooted in Basque traditions. The first carnivals to take place are in Ituren and Zubieta, on the Monday and Tuesday following the last Sunday in January (in 2020, January 27 and 28).
The stars of these carnivals are the joaldunak. According to tradition, the joaldunak shake the cowbells they carry on their backs to chase away evil spirits and awaken the forces of the earth, invoking the spring. It’s worth watching the moment when joaldunak from two villages meet halfway between them. While Ituren-Zubieta’s carnivals are the first to take place, Lantz’s are the last, as they take place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday (in 2020 on February 23, 24 and 25).
As the last light of day begins to fade, the people of Lantz dress up as different characters and take to the streets to re-enact the legend:
Carnival in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure
Carnival in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure lasts around 15 days, with parades, dances and workshops. Carnival begins on the first Saturday of the month, known as Bear Day.
On this day, you’ll be treated to a grand parade featuring folk dances. This is followed by dance classes, mask-making and hat-making.
On the following Friday, the village of Ciboure organizes an event known as the “night of the witches”. You can already guess that this is an evening event. There are night parades, dancing and rituals. The following Saturday sees the grand parade, the bonfire and the evening meal, including the main parade from Ciboure to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Pantzar trial.
Bayonne Carnival
The Bayonne carnival is just as special. It takes place on the first weekend of the vacation season. This carnival is characterized by the Pantzar trial, the Joaldunak procession, rural carnival traditions and Basque Orai traditions. You’ll also discover the awakening of the bear. During the carnival, you can watch Basque jumps like the Mutxiko with the closing show. Food stalls and rides to entertain young and old. Biarritz, Hendaye, Bidart and Anglet also hold carnivals.