Festivals in Oiartzun
Discover the main festivals of Oiartzun, where Xanistebanak, Ihoteak and neighbourhood celebrations bring together Basque culture, sport and community participation.
Local festivals in Oiartzun
Xanistebanak is usually celebrated over five days, from 2 to 6 August. Done Eztebe plaza and other town-centre venues host the soka-dantza, opening rocket and bell ringing, giants and big-head figures, music, Mass, games, performances and rural sports such as the inter-neighbourhood sokatira tug of war.
Organisation open to local associations
The Xanistebanak festival committee brings together the Town Council and around thirty-five cultural and sporting associations. Local groups, organisations and residents can propose events, while txistulari musicians, dance groups, choirs, bands and cuadrillas sustain a popular, Basque-speaking and participatory celebration.
Other celebrations: Ihoteak and neighbourhood festivals
In February, Ihoteak lasts for three days: intxixu, basandre and sorginak descend from Kataxulo, light the fire in the square and visit the neighbourhoods during the traditional collection, accompanied by dances, txistulari musicians and participants dressed in sacks. From spring to early autumn, Arragua, Ergoien, Altzibar, Gurutze and other districts organise their own festivals with community meals, giants, music, games and local traditions.