Basque ethnography at a glance

Source: Arratiako Korua.

Charity collection through songs is a practice that has been present in Basque culture on various festivities throughout the year, especially in winter. One of the most deeply rooted in Biscay is the eve of Saint Agatha. In this tradition, to the rhythm of the beats of the makilas, different coplas are sung from house to house for the locals when they make the petition.

On this day, 4 February, groups of people can be seen singing in the streets all over Biscay, some of them amateur and others in a very organised way. An example of the latter is the Arratia choir, which has been an example for almost 75 years, going out every year on this date to sing the songs of Saint Agatha in the valley of the same name and the surrounding area.

The vocal group was founded in 1951, on the initiative of Juan Bernaola, from Artea, and Victor Sierrasesumaga, from Areatza, with the aim of bringing together the choirs of both villages. At the beginning, it was made up only of men, until 1965, when both women and children joined them. The choir has raised money by asking for it in the rounds, always with a charitable purpose. For many years, all the money collected was faithfully donated to the Santa Marina Hospital, later to the Bizkaia Association for the Disabled and nowadays to various humanitarian causes.

As every year, the route of the round begins and ends in Areatza, passing through all the villages of Arratia, Amorebieta-Etxano, Usansolo and Galdakao. However, a large part of the day is spent in the town of Bilbao, with performances at the Cathedral of Santiago, the Basilica of Begoña and various public institutions being of particular note.

Throughout so many years, the musical group has had the help of some essential people in its evolution. It is worth mentioning the work of aita José Domingo de Santa Teresa, a Carmelite from the convent of Larrea in Zornotza and composer of the score of the copla for several voices. We cannot forget all the people who have directed the choir since its foundation, contributing to the continuity of the tradition. Nowadays, it is Garazi Navas, a professional musician, who carries the baton as director.

The beautiful tradition of this group has a more than assured future because together with the veterans who have kept it alive until now there is also a new wave of young people who guarantee its perpetuity. Aintza ta aintza Agate Deunari!

Nerea Etxebarria Gumuzio – Labayru Fundazioa