From jazz festivals to historic pilgrimages and underwater delights, there are endless reasons to visit the Basque Country this summer writes Karen Creed
Festival fever
With the arrival of the San Juan celebrations and the summertime, the regions in the Basque Country are filled to the brim with festivals which have blended with Catholic traditions. A fine example of these popular traditions is the procession to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sanctuary, on the 24th of June, in the Biscay village of Bermeo. A popular walking pilgrimage from this chapel culminates in a flower offering to the statue of the Virgin, submerged in the depths of the sea. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is home to breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea, together with the small neighbouring island, Aketxe, which runs from the village of Bakio to Cape Matxitxako, on the Biscay Gulf. Another celebration held during the festival period is San Pedro day, on the 29th of June, in the fishing village of Lekeitio, also in Biscay. The statue carriers tilt him towards the sea in a pendulum movement, “kilin-kala”, in a rite ceremony referring to fishing. Straight afterwards is the “Kaxarrank” dance, which consists of a man dancing on a large chest held up by eight sailors. This is a spectacular and unique dance acclaimed by residents and visitors. Check out www.bermeokoudala.net and www.learjai.com
A village legacy
To speak of Gernika is, for some, to speak of a millenary town. If Picasso wanted to report, with his world renowned painting “Guernica”, the German air bombing of the town in 1973, during the Spanish civil war, the passage of time has converted the painting and the town itself into a symbol of the devastating effects of war and a cry for peace. Peace which the citizens of Gernika have rooted through the creation of the Museo Internacional de la Paz (International Peace Museum). But, above all, Gernika is the cradle for the Árbol de Gernika (Gernika Tree), a symbol of the Basque freedoms, which, perpetuated in various generations (old trunk, current tree and shoot), symbolises the long history of the Basque population and their institution. Once arriving at Gernika, it is worth your while trying their excellent gastronomy, prepared with highest quality products such as the famous Gernika peppers or beans. Amongst the drinks on offer, txakoli is a must. Also the most important agriculture, cattle and gastronomy market is held on the last Monday of October. To round off a visit steeped in history, the coastal villages of Mundaka and Bermeo are a paradise for surfing, diving and enjoying the beautiful beaches dotted with cliffs and woods. For more information visit www.gernika-lumo.org
The rhythm of jazz
With the arrival of summer, Euskadi brims with festivals, and of the numerous events. The best jazz musicians appear at the Festival de Jazz de Getxo (Getxo Jazz Festival), the Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gazteiz (Vitoria-Gazteiz Jazz Festival) and the Jazzaldia Donostia-San Sebastián (Donostia-San Sebastián Jazzaldia). The Festival Internacional de Jazz de Getxo (Getxo International Jazz Festival), which celebrates its 34th edition this year, is held in early July in this Biscay coastal town. The opening day shall see the singer and pianist Diane Schuur performing, whilst the Cuban Omar Sosa will be playing the next day. Vitoria-Gazteiz is another classic in the festival panorama, and this year the celebrations shall be held from the 12th until the 18th of July. Highlights of the list of international artists are the singer Lillian Bouté bringing sounds of New Orleans or the mythical Wynton Marsalis. Also, a legend of the jazz guitar, Pat Metheny will be the Festival’s “resident artist” where he will give guitar seminars. Further information visit www.heinekenjazzaldia.com www.getxo.net and www.jazzvitoria.com
Explore marine forests
The Basque Country offers the unique habitat for the practice of skin-diving in this corner of the Cantabrian Sea. In Biscay, with its eighty kilometres of coast and its numerous ports and beaches, offers the visitor the possibility of enjoying an exciting experience of skin-diving in extensive sandbanks. From remains of ships sunken in Muskiz to submarine mountain chains in Sopelana, you can also skin dive in the eastern part from the plunged arches and blue waters in Gorliz to the flotsam of Mina Mari, in Matxitxako. For more información visit www.gipuzkoaturimo.net
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