Basque ethnography at a glance

Opening of the hermitage, July 31, 1949. Source: Juan Martin Iriondo.

It is a meadow under the hill of Belatxikieta, which had a small, damp, nice beech forest. Very close to it, seven sheep barns remain from the times when animal husbandry was strong. The place was chosen by the locals due to its excellent opportunities for this profession. From the Middle Ages the area was full of meadowlands, shelters, small streams, and mounds and herds full of wet grass for the cattle to graze.

On the other hand, the surrounding area was home to quite a few harmful beasts. To deal with them the pastors from Mugarra to Aramotz joined together in assemblies (azeri-batzarrak) to deal with the problem. These assemblies were held one year in Mugarra and the following year in Belatxikieta. In one of those assemblies, Don Emiliano Zuloaga, who was the new landowner in the vicinity of Zazpitxaboleta, joined together, as he saw that these pastors were concerned that there was no hermitage in the area. We must remember the strength of the Christian faith at the moment.

At the assembly in 1948, the hermitage was set in motion by the shepherds. They asked permission from both the Church and the City Hall and they worked together for four months. The 30 of April 1949, on the eve of St. Ignatius, the hermitage was finished, along with the installation of the Holy Water stoup. There were fireworks that night; and the attendees got a big scare as little fire arose, due to the dry spring they were having.

Following the advice of brother Teodoro from Larrea, the Saint that would take care of the hermitage was chosen in advance: Saint Ignatius of Loyola. On that day of St. Ignatius, a great multitude of people came together, and a splendid feast was held there all day long, until the downpour marked the end of the celebration.

Henceforth, the hermitage had its butlers for many years, and they took care of both the feast and the hermitage itself. Later, together with the residents of the shelters, another committee was set up. For the last few years, the care of the hermitage goes on one side, and the organization of the feast on another. It has gone from being a meeting place for shepherds and farmers, to a place of pleasure for mountaineers, driven by the direction that society has taken.

Mountain walk organized by Zornotza Mendi Taldea, 31 December 2022. Source: Juan Martin Iriondo.

For many years St. Ignatius, Zazpitxaboleta and Belatxikieta have been references to many: religious celebrations, Basque atmosphere, beautiful views, and, for many, beautiful memories of life… Even if our customs and beliefs change with the passing of time, I could say that the hermitage (and the surrounding place) is still today one of the most visited hermitages in our country. You only have to see the extraordinary crowds that come together during the recent years on Christmas and New Year´s Eve, though coming up for another purpose, but they seem to be attracted to it by something else.

In this 75th anniversary of the hermitage, we should not forget the following accounts: it was built as a response to the concern of the shepherds, put together by the neighborhood, and with the goodwill of many. It is our job now to convey their efforts to others so that they are not forgotten.

Juan Martin Iriondo – Researcher