In this piece gathered in the Burunda region of Nafarroa, more precisely the version sung in Urdiain and Larraun, the focal theme recurring in the ancient stanzas is water, a well-established subject of aesthetic analysis. The water ritual was in the past well-embedded within the oral literary tradition but has only survived to this time in this area. Jose Mª Satrustegi explains in detail and with great professional manner the rituals that start at midnight sharp on New Year’s Eve. At that time the village boys go to the source to collect the water. The idea is that with the ringing of the bells all the waters of the planet, and Nature itself, are renewed. The water collected at that precise time is believed to have magical powers and provides protection on whoever drinks it. The young boys take the water from house to house so that every villager drinks a sip, and often they take advantage to ask for food.

Ur goiena, ur barrena
Urdiain, Larraun (Nafarroa)