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
The Erromeria is a traditional festival where people gather to dance to the sound of the trikitixa or the txistu. It is held in squares, frontons or open fields and is a space where dancing becomes a social event, bringing together youngsters and older people.
It is the perfect occasion to listen to live music and watch social dances such as the fandango and the arin-arin. Taking part in an Erromeria is the most authentic way to experience the Basque festivities, where music and dancing go on and on for hours.
Erromerias play a prominent role, particularly during the San Juan festivities in June, when music and dancing fill the streets and squares. The Erromerias of Zelatun, at the foot of Mount Hernio, are also famous; they take place on Sundays in September and bring together hundreds of people in a unique natural setting.
It is the perfect occasion to listen to live music and watch social dances such as the fandango and the arin-arin. Taking part in an Erromeria is the most authentic way to experience the Basque festivities, where music and dancing go on and on for hours.
Erromerias play a prominent role, particularly during the San Juan festivities in June, when music and dancing fill the streets and squares. The Erromerias of Zelatun, at the foot of Mount Hernio, are also famous; they take place on Sundays in September and bring together hundreds of people in a unique natural setting.
