Basque ethnography at a glance

Corporation members from Arrastaria in procession to Our Lady of Old Sanctuary. Urduña (Bizkaia), 2014. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.

8 May is an eventful day in Urduña. The feast is popularly known as ochomayos. Locals commemorate the renewal of the vow made to Our Lady of Old, their patroness, back in the 17th century.

On 9 May all attention moves to the Arrastaria Valley. The valley belongs now to the municipality of Amurrio (Álava) and comprises the villages of Tertanga, Délica, Artomaña and Aloria.

Representatives from all four villages meet at the entrance to the town of Urduña, near the hermitage of Our Lady of Good Success. The txistu player welcomes them and together they march in procession to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Old. They bear the banner of the councils and the cross of the parish churches they represent. Children carry candles to offer to the Virgin. Municipal officials and villagers follow them.

The church is usually bursting with people. A traditional jota dedicated to the Virgin completes the ceremony. The ringing of bells announces the end of the service. The image of the Virgin on the altar is then turned and one by one the attendees approach, kiss her stole and make their offering.

Entradillas. Urduña (Bizkaia), 2014. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.

The entradillas dances are later performed outside the sanctuary. The dancing used to be more spontaneous and joyful in the past. Dancers from the valley would step out and dance amidst cheers and cries of encouragement: “Hooray for Tertanga”, “Cheers for the people of Délica”, “Hurrah for Aloria”… Today the exhibition is organized by the local dance group. The older members of the crowd throw coins in gratitude, which the dancers compete to catch. Town authorities finally present them with a commemorative plaque.

The party returns in procession into town. On arrival the mayor of Urduña greets them and they proceed to the exchange of the batons of command. The representative of the Valley of Arrastaria assumes authority. They head for the inn, and following the customary speeches, enjoy a brotherhood meal. At the end of the day batons of command change hands again.

Igone Etxebarria – Labayru Fundazioa

Translated by Jaione Bilbao – Language Department – Labayru Fundazioa