Basque ethnography at a glance
Gregory’s Water for the blessing of the fields. Obanos. Source: Photographic Archive of Labayru Fundazioa.
Deeply rooted in ancient naturalist practices, the long medieval process of symbiosis between the solar and lunar calendars (the Paschal moon falls between 22nd March and 25th April) gives rise, during the spring period, to a series of fixed celebrations (St Mark, Holy Cross, St Gregory, or St Isidore) and other moveable feasts (Palm Sunday, Ascension, or Pentecost). These dates are of great significance for the vigilance and protection of blossoming and germinating crops, the end of winter stabling for livestock, and the start of the intensive fishing season.
The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday in Amorebieta-Etxano. Author: Mikel Etxebarria Etxeita.
For many years now, probably since before the Civil War of 1936, the Stations of the Cross procession has taken place in Amorebieta on Good Friday morning at 7.00 am. The Way of the Cross commemorates the suffering endured by Jesus on his way to Mount Calvary, carrying the cross, and is divided into fourteen stations. Starting from the parish church of Saint Mary, the route begins at number 19 Sabino Arana Street. The route continues through the streets of the village; it crosses the bridge and passes through Sabino Arana Street and the main road. The route then reaches its end: Plaza del Calvario (Calvary Square). The total distance is 420 metres.
The market on the last Monday of October in Gernika-Lumo (31/10/2016). Author: Emilio Xabier Dueñas.
In some aspects of daily life, the revolution that society has experienced in the last fifty years is perhaps incomparable to any other moment in history… We have gone from sending Christmas cards by mail to artificial intelligence almost without realizing it.
Good Friday, 1947. Source: Felix Mugurutza.
The powerful first Marquis of Urquijo, Estanislao Urquijo Landaluce (1816-1889), tried to conceal his humble origins: he came from a peasant family in Murga, Aiara. This background overshadowed the noble title bestowed upon him by King Amadeo I in 1871. He was a newly wealthy man, but not a pure-blooded aristocrat, and the high nobility with whom he associated never forgot this.
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