Local traditions

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29 Unanuko maskara Labayru Ikastegia Gabriel ImbuluzquetaAt Carnival there are a vast number of picturesque popular traditions in Euskal Herria. The list would be endless.

These are several of the most renowned Carnival festivals in Nafarroa are: Joaldun eta Zanpantzarrak in Ituren and Zubieta; Inauteak in Arantza and Urdazubi; Goizueta Zomorro eta Mozorroak; Moxaurreak in Unanu; Momotxorroak in Altsasu; Mantajaunak eta Momoxarroak in Urdiain; Zakuzaharrak in Lesaka…

In Araba there are some very ancient Carnival practices: Cachirulos or Cachibulos in Kanpezu and Maestu; Porreros in Aberasturi, Amurrio, Añana, Bikuña, Egiraz, Galarreta, Gazeo, Heredia, Legutiano, Munain, Oreitia, Ozaeta and Arrizala; Cacarreros and Cácarros in Antezana and Zanbrana; Mascaretas in Biasteri; Zarramoqueros in Pangua…

The rite involves young villagers to dress in scary or funny costumes. Holding some kind of device in their hands and making noise and racket, they try to frighten and even lash old and young about.

Many a time a mythic character is held as symbol of the Carnival, and its effigy is usually burned at the end of the festival: Marquitos in Zalduondo; Abuela in Bikuña; Hombre de paja in Okariz and Egino; La Vieja in Munain and Egilatz; Gutiérrez in Galarreta and Berantevilla; Toribio in Kanpezu; Judas in Azazeta; El Criminal in Arriola…

In various villages and towns the figure of a bear is used: in Markina and Elorrio (Bizkaia), in Bergara (Gipuzkoa); in Arizkun (Nafarroa)…