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Jose Ereño

Itziar Rotaetxe. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.

Ubixeta, one of the main refuge areas in Gorbeia, has been home for at least five herds and herders until only a few years ago. Five shepherds spread over four sheds, still standing at present.

Of them all, Jose Ereño, native of Orozko (Bizkaia), is very much alive and kicking. He keeps climbing the mountain with his flock and would, until recently, make cheese using traditional methods, like his father, his father’s father… (more…)

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Kirikinausi de Lastrabe. Orozko (Bizkaia). Cortesía de Supelaur Kultur Elkartea.

Chestnut enclosure of Lastrabe. Orozko (Bizkaia). Courtesy of Supelaur Kultur Elkartea.

The smell of roasted chestnuts shall soon fill the air as countless vendors take to the streets of villages, cities and towns. A cone of a dozen chestnuts for as much as three euros!

Now a favourite treat for cold, dark autumn and winter afternoons, chestnuts were a staple of the traditional Basque diet. And their consumption still prevailed among other nuts and dried fruits until half a century ago. (more…)

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Table of authorities by José Arrue

Agintarien mahaia. Table of authorities by José Arrue. Courtesy of Orozkoko Garrafa Kultur Elkartea.

Cannot beat a nice cold drink on a hot summer day!

But, believe it or not, drinking iced beverages was not customary in ancient times. It was not until the 14th century that physicians incorporated ice into their practice, arguing that it cured burning fevers and protected against the plague. (more…)