San Sebastian celebrates its traditional culture in Euskal Jaiak
Euskal Jaiak refers to a celebration of Basque culture and traditions, normally taking place during the first week of September. In 2011, it will be held from the 1st to the 11th of September.
Over the festival days, competitions and rural sports demonstrations are held, as well as typical dances and many others activities related to Basque traditional culture. The most prestigious sports event of the area will also be taking place: the San Sebastian boat race. The two first Sundays of the month, race row boats from the Cantabrian coast fill the colourful waters of the Concha bay to compete in the “Olympic Rowing Races” of San Sebastian.
The first Basque week in San Sebastian took place in 1927, although its roots date back to the Basque celebrations already taking place in the diverse Basque towns towards the end of the 19th century.
Ever since then, they have been celebrated on a sporadic basic with occasional interruptions such as during the Spanish Civil War and during the 80´s, etc.
If you are in San Sebastian during the Basque celebrations, you will get the opportunity to witness typical Basque dancing and the traditional Basque sports championships such as the “aizkolaris” (log chopping with an axe) and “Pelota Vasca” (Basque Ball), amongst others.
With regards to food, there is the Organic Fair selling typical products of the area including bread, cheese, honey, wine and medicinal plants, etc, as well as the “Sagardo Eguna” (Cider Festival), during which 10.000 litres of cider are consumed.
Although the programme has yet to be confirmed for this year, visitors can expect the usual events including literature and poetry competitions, traditional music, concerts, brass bands, bulls, theatre performances and children’s activities, etc.
The Basque celebrations are a great way of discovering the local customs and wealth of Basque folklore, therefore, it is a great time to visit San Sebastian.
Laura - Marketing Team