San Bartolomé Festivities in Zegama
Zegama celebrates its patronal festivities around San Bartolomé's Day with worship, cuadrilla gatherings, music, Basque dance, rural sports and activities for different generations.
When they are held
The patronal day is 24 August. The programme usually begins several days earlier and may continue into the following weekend.
Where they are held
Events take place across Zegama. The town square, Plaza Elizondo, the San Bartolomé chapel, the parish church, the arcades of the Town Hall, Jabier Otaegi cultural centre, Toki Alai fronton, Ibarreta field and Txarape bowling alley all feature in the programme.
Worship and community traditions
Vespers are held in the San Bartolomé chapel. On 24 August, a procession carries the image from the chapel to the parish church with txistularis, dancers and local dignitaries, followed by High Mass. The festival also welcomes children born during the preceding year.
Characteristic events
- The descent of Belea, proclamation, txupinazo and placing of the festival neckerchief.
- Early-morning music, parades of giants and big-head figures, brass bands and open-air dancing.
- Soka-dantza, the Agurra and other dances performed by the local community.
- Bertsolari verse, rural sports, pelota, cycling, bowls and sokamuturra.
- Days devoted to fancy dress, cuadrillas, young people and children, with communal meals.
- The Adio Beleari farewell procession at the close of the main programme.
Sources
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