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.

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.

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