Traditions

One of the most well known aspects of the Basque Country is its dedication to the gastronomy. In every city, town and house, special attention is put to good eating. In this way, the abundant restaurants offer generally simple food but using good raw materials and everytime well seasoned. Recipes like "Bacalao a la Bilbaína" (codfish cooked specially) or"“squids on its ink"” must be tasted.

And talking about Basque cooking, from february to summer, the "Sidrerías" are open. Sites located in countryhouses where, between drink and drink, we can eat good meat, codfish and Idiazabal cheese. Cider is drunk like "Txotx", opening the cider barrel and putting the glass under the liquid jet. The most popular are located in Astigarraga and Hernani and there are more, nearby Sastarrain.

Basque rural sport is alive and we can see and practice it in every town around. During the year many competitions are celebrated, like pelota, "aizkolariak" (cutting wood with an axe), "harrijasotzaileak" (raising stones)...

Basque´s language is Euskera, a language as old as this land and as peculiar, in that it does not appear married into any other language. Spoken by the majority of people, but especially in little towns, it is into a recovery and standardization process. It is a common language in University, Basque literature is producing and it has started to used by administration. The¨"Bertsolarismo" is a good sign of expresive values of this language, it is an art based on verse improvisation in front of public. During particular dinners, in town festivities or organizated events, we have so many posibilities to listen to the"bertsolariak".

In popular festivities are many basque dance and music, too. From the popular “trikitixa” (dance accompanied by accordion and tanbourine) to traditional prepared dances, basque dance spectacles are very coloured. A very common instrument is the "Txistu" (similar to a flute, with highpitched sound), and very complex melodies are interpreted with it. To enjoy those dances, and to practice them, the best opportunities are in little town festivities.