
Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta
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Where and when
Ituren y Zubieta. Navarra. Spain. Europe.
The carnivals ofIturenand Zubietaare generally celebrated on Monday and Tuesday following the last Sunday of January In 2024, the dates will be January 29th and 30th.
Ituren is a small town of just over 500 inhabitants. Zubieta is also a small town of about300 inhabitants. The two populations are located in the Alto Bidasoa or Malerreka region in Navarra.
Origin … some history pills
The origin of this celebration is uncertain, but it has many similarities to other celebrations where masks and cowbells are the main elements.
It is believed that its origin may be linked to celebrations or ancestral rites of changing the seasonal cycle and celebrating the winter solstice. It is one of the most striking masquerades in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
The «Joaldunak»(it means: «those who bear cowbells») are themain charactersof the celebration.
In the past, cowbells or “polumpak” and swabs or whips were usedto scare beasts or animals that could attack cattle and also to drive away evil spirits.
What it is / what it consists of
There are diferent acts and characters that participate in the carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta (the Bear orHartza, their beasts, the rams, etc.) but the central and most characteristic act is the Joaldunak.
On Monday towards mid-morning, around 12h (it is not exact, everything depends on the time they finish having lunch) the «Joaldunak»of Zubieta go toIturen ( the distance that separates both localities is near 3 km) where the«Joaldunak» of Ituren will be found in the Aurtitz district Both are in the bridge of Zubiburu to cross together the streets of Ituren until arriving at the square.
The next day, Tuesday, the act is repeated but in the opposite way, it is the «Joaldunak» of Ituren that visit Zubieta repeating march to the sound of the cowbells and their rhythmic movement.
The «Joaldunak» wear a very characteristic costume composed of:
– Tapered cap called Ttuntturo
– Handkerchief
– Shirt and over sheepskin vest.
– Belt.
– Petticoat
– Covers, rubber shoes that are tied with ropes.
– Whip or Hyssop
– Cowbells
Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta: curiosities
The characteristicrhythm of this parade, which hypnotizes you, is marked by one of the «Joaldun« with a hornthat sounds intermittently. In addition, it also sets the pace with the help of some shouting. It is distinguished because he carries the horn hanging from its chest.
Be carefulbecause the other characters that participate in this carnival often stain the visitors with flour, mud, sawdust and other elements
Practical information
Activities: take the route of the smugglers of Bidasoa, visit the Señorío de Bertiz, discover the different dolmensthat are in the area, eat in one of the best restaurants in the area and sleep in any of the comfortable accommodations available.
If you want more information you can visit the Bertiz Tourist Consortium website.
Live the Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta
Know and live with someone who knows ...
Tradiciones and Fiestas invites you to live one of the most unique celebrations of many that take place in Northern Spain, the Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta.
You can make the reservation and choose our proposal to see and learn from the inside the Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta with our expert local guide.
We offer youtwo options; day 30th or day 31th, at your convenience.
We offer you:
Discover the Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta from the inside, accompanied by a local guide.
Details Carnivals Ituren and Zubieta Experience
You have the opportunityto live the Carnivals of Ituren and Zubieta in a unique way, by the hand of an expert host in this festival
Monday 30/01 CARNIVAL OF ITUREN
- 09: 00h Reception at the meeting point and guided tour with Local Guide to know all the details of this carnival and its characters.
Later: Lunch. Then we see how they get ready for the parade Carnival parade and we continue to know details of this carnival while we accompany the Joaldunak throughout the tour. Carnival parade and we continue to know details of this carnival while we accompany the Joaldunak throughout the tour.
Duration: 6 hours approximately
Tuesday 31/01 CARNIVAL OF ZUBIETA
09: 00h Reception at the meeting point and guided tour with Local Guide to know all the details of this carnival and its characters.
Later: Lunch. Then we see how they get ready for the parade Carnival parade and we continue to know details of this carnival while we accompany the Joaldunak throughout the tour. Carnival parade and we continue to know details of this carnival while we accompany the Joaldunak throughout the tour.
Duration: 6 hours approximately
- You can reserve your placefor yourselforwith your group of friends.
- The price is the same. If you come alone, you will join the group to enjoy the experience.
- To carry out the activity it´s necessary a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 14.
- If a minimum group of 4 people is not completed the experience will not be carried outand we will refund your money.
IT INCLUDES:
- – Guided tour of Ituren and Zubieta (according to the day of attendance).
- – Lunch
- – Tour guide.
- – Local Tour guide.
NOT INCLUDED:
- – Transportation
- – Personal expenses.
- – Any extra not specified as it includes.
Guided, PERSONAL andEXCLUSIVE visit:
- They are personaland exclusive guided tours up to a maximum of 14 people per guide.
- We make sure you discover and live one of the most characteristic rural carnivals in Navarra.
- You will avoidgetting a wrong idea.
- You will notmiss any details.
- Youwill livethe essence of these ancestral carnivals.
- You will know all itshistory, its main characters and the most curious secrets. When accompanied by our Navarre guide, you will have privileged information , provided by our local Cicerone.
- You will see that the money invested is not much considering the unique experience.
¿Do you need more reasons? ¿Tell us what worries you and we will solve your questions ?
Opinions Carnivals Ituren and Zubieta
Carnival Experience Program of Ituren and Zubieta
Carnivals of Ituren y Zubieta Program
Reception Meeting Point
Comienzo del Tour
Preparations and Beginning of the Parade
End of Experience
Select the day of the experience
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