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Carnival in Euskadi, the Basque Country, is a celebration that combines festivities, mythology and tradition. From the biggest fiestas to the most ancient traditions. every carnival has its own character and a unique charm that makes it special.
Carnival in Tolosa is one of the best-known, but every town and city celebrates it in a different way. If you're thinking of plunging into carnival, get ready to take a cultural journey to remember.
Tolosa
Tolosa's carnival is famed throughout the Basque Country. It starts off with "Fat Thursday" and the traditional chupinazo, where a rocket is fired off at the town hall to begin the festivities. On this day the town is packed with music, charanga bands and a delicious tradition in which the bars serve chistorra (spicy pork sausage) pintxos.
Saturday is the day for the kids, with family activities, games and the cabezudos, figures with enormous heads who fill the streets with fun. But if there's one day that stands out as unique it's Sunday, known as pyjama day, when both locals and visitors celebrate in pyjamas, creating a uniquely fun atmosphere.
If you're thinking of visiting Tolosa at carnival time, remember to bring fancy dress, except on Friday and Saturday. Traditionally, people don't wear fancy dress in the street on these days.
Donostia / San Sebastián
In Donostia, carnival time means tradition and lots of show. The comparsas or carnival groups play the starring role, and every year the god or goddess Momo is chosen from among their members as the symbol and head of the carnival.
These groups work all year long to prepare parades, costumes and floats, culminating in a parade through the city streets. Also, beforehand they organise a show in the Illumbe arena, broadcast on YouTube, where the best groups are awarded prizes. Almost everywhere in the Basque Country, the festivities end with the burial of the sardine.
The burial of the sardine marks the end of carnival in many places in the Basque Country. This tradition, loaded with symbolism, consists of a procession in which a sardine is "buried", representing the end of the excesses of carnival. It is an event that mixes humour, theatre and excitement, the perfect end to the festivities.
Bilbao
Carnival in Bilbao begins with the election of Farolín and Zarambolas, two characters who represent its citizens. Every year the Botxera Order (former Farolines and Zarambolas) chooses two prominent people from the city to represent them. With tongue firmly in cheek, parades accompany these two characters to the town hall, where they are tried, as they are in many other localities in the Basque Country.
Members of the carnival groups hold a surprisingly realistic trial in which the defence makes it case, before in the end the court gives its verdict.
As well as all the tradition, for six days Bilbao is filled with activity: parades, music, shows and dances that culminate in the burning of the sardine.
Mundaka
The Aratustes (carnival) of Mundaka are unique in the Basque Country. Here, traditional costumes take a starring role: the atorrak (in work clothes) and lamiak (sirens in Basque mythology) parade, singing traditional songs.
This very special carnival that forms part of Mundaka's identity will carry you off to a different Basque Country, rich in magic and folklore.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Carnival in Vitoria/Gasteiz is one of the most popular and participative. Over 7,000 people take part in the comparsas, or carnival groups, preparing their dances and costumes all through the year. Over several days the city is transformed, with activities for all audiences and a festive atmosphere you won't want to miss.
There are lots of things to do at this time: going out for pintxos to the music of the charanga bands, watching the parades, joining the dance in the Plaza España and attending the burial of the sardine.
Zalduondo
Zalduondo offers a highly distinctive carnival, marked by its connection with Basque mythology.
The star is Marquitos, a symbolic figure who represents the ills of the people. During carnival, he is tried and burnt in a ceremony that combines humour, tradition and social criticism. Figures dressed as mythological characters add a magical touch to this unique event in Álava.
The carnivals of the Basque Country are a chance to explore its traditions, immerse yourself in its folklore and experience its infectious joy. Each place has its own essence and offers unforgettable experiences reflecting the cultural richness of the territory. Fun guaranteed!
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