FEBRUARY, a month of deeply rooted traditions in Gernika

TRADITIONS THAT HAVE ENDURED TO THE PRESENT DAY

Deeply rooted traditions that surround our region, such as Carnival, and that have remained almost unchanged for generations, make it clear that February is a key month in the change of seasons, joyful celebrations, and the most deeply ingrained religious beliefs. February is the light that breaks through the darkness.

Although February is the shortest month of the year, several festivals are concentrated in its early days in the Basque Country:

At this midpoint between the winter solstice and the equinox, we have deeply rooted traditions that combine religious beliefs with pagan ones linked to the worship of the earth and climatic cycles, which predate Basque mythology.

In Gernika, the festivities begin on the 2nd with the celebration of Kandelerio, which consists of accompanying the youngest participants as they light blessed candles, followed by a walk through the town while singing traditional versers:

“Kandelerixo, lerixo, hatxak ure darixo, errotiak urune, gora kandelerixo egune!”

Beyond its religious significance, it was once believed that these blessed candles protected homes from harsh weather as well as from possible illnesses. Additionally, Kandelerio is associated with the popular belief that one can predict the remainder of winter depending on the weather that day.

“If it is warm on Kandelerio , winter will be long. If it is cold on Kandelerio, winter has been short ”

On the 3rd, Saint Blaise is celebrated, the patron saint protecting against throat ailments. It is traditional to wear blessed cotton cords aroung the neck until they are burned on Ash Wednesday. It is believed that by doing so, the saint will protect us from suffering any throat-related illness. Saint Blaise cakes are the typical sweets of this celebration, which in Gernika can be purchased at any of its renowned pastry shops.

On the eve of Saint Agatha, February 4th, verses are sung in honor of the Virgin. The rhythm of the chants is marked by the makilas, which strike the ground to awaken the earth, rouse if from its long slumber, and thus pave the way for the awaited spring - a time when the land blooms, giving rise to a new and fertile natural cycle.

Kandelerio used to mark the beginning of Carnival, or Aratuste, and in Gernika we are once again enjoying the villa's recovered traditional characters:

Their aurresku ( a traditional Basque ceremonial dance) and soka-dantza (rope dance) are a living example of community and coexistence.

Carnival French toast sweetens our tables during these days, and the streets BARS OF GERNIKA fill with cheerful irrintzis (traditional Basque shouts of joy).