Basque Dances
Dance, the Bordon Dantza and the joy of the Erromeria
Basque dance is a living cultural expression, rich in symbolism and history, celebrated with passion in Tolosaldea. Our dances reflect the history, customs and character of our people. Just as the Etxepare Institut promotes our culture, in Tolosaldea we proudly preserve the energy and elegance of our traditional dances, inviting you to discover the rhythm that moves our land.
Bordon Dantza
The Bordon Dantza (Stick Dance) is one of the oldest and most solemn dances of Basque folklore. It is unique to Tolosa and one of the most recognizable of Gipuzkoa’s “ezpata dantza” (sword dances). It is a solemn, ceremonial display dance performed in honor of authorities or municipal representatives during notable festivities.
It is characterized by its formal structure, precision of steps and the use of sticks (bordoiak) by the dantzaris (dancers), who cross and strike them rhythmically. This dance combines the strength and vigor of the movements with the sobriety and elegance of the traditional costume, white and red.
It is characterized by its formal structure, precision of steps and the use of sticks (bordoiak) by the dantzaris (dancers), who cross and strike them rhythmically. This dance combines the strength and vigor of the movements with the sobriety and elegance of the traditional costume, white and red.
The Erromeria
Tolosaldea has been the birthplace of great bertsolaris throughout history. Fernando Amezketarra is the foremost historical exponent (18th–19th centuries) and his wit laid the foundations of the popular bertsolarismo’s roguery. Today, Tolosaldea continues to produce talents who actively take part in championships and local events, keeping the flame of improvisation alive.
