What to do in the Basque Country - Events & Agenda August 2019

THINGS TO DO IN BILBAO, SAN SEBASTIAN, VITORIA-GASTEIZ, BIARRITZ, RIOJA OR PAMPLONA.

Our selection of best art, sport, traditionals & cultural events in the Basque Country during August, 2019.

 

In Vitoria. La Blanca city Festivals. From August 4th to 9th

Regarding Basques traditions and festivities:

• In Azpeitia, Biscay & Gipuzkoa. St Ignatius Loiola Festival. In Azpeitia local music, food, drink and festivals. From July 30th to August 2nd.
• In Anglet. Outdoor night market. Chambre d'Amour. August 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th.
• In Guernica. Day of the wine of Rioja Alavesa and of the Cod. Tasting and tasting Horticultural fair. Exhibition and sale of Basque crafts. August 3rd.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Celebrations of the Sea. August 3rd and 4^th.
• In Hondarribia. Agricultural Fair. Exhibition and sale of food products and exhibition of traditional crafts. August 4th.
• In Vitoria. La Blanca city Festivals. The most popular festival in the Basque Capital. Celedon will come down from San Miguel Church to symbolize the start of these festivals. From August 4th to 9th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Fair of the Blanca. Exhibition and sale of crafts and food products. Loma General Place. From August 5th until 8th.
• In Getaria. Fiestas of San Salvador. Food Fair. Tasting of grilled tuna and txakoli. Eusko Label veal Pintxos. August 6th.
• In Guernica. Bizkaiko Untxia eta Sagardoa. Tasting of cider and rabbit from Bizkaia. Horticultural fair. Exhibition and sale of Basque crafts. August 7^th.
• In Biarritz. Night market. Stands of gastronomy, beach items, jewelery, local products or souvenirs, all in a light and festive atmosphere, where entertainment, songs and dances, are never left out. Halles of Biarritz. August 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.
• In Zumaia. Agricultural Fair. Euskal Jai Fair. Products of the hamlet. Food, artisans and workshops. August 9th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Night of the sardine. Parking Campos Berri. August 10^th
• In Getxo (Alcorta). Market of San Lorenzo. Exhibition and sale of farm products, contest of vegetables, cheeses and plants. August 10th.
• In Biarritz. The festival at the Port. A festive and popular event for all those who like going out, dancing, having fun ... The bodegas will be animated by the nautical associations of Biarritz. Musical entertainment. Port of the fishermen. August 10^th.
• In San Sebastian. International Fireworks Competition. The Concha Bay. This is one of the biggest events during Big Week. Firework experts from around the world will compete each night to see who can offer the most spectacular show. From August 10th until 17th.
• In Bayonne. Recorte show. Bullfighting show without killing. Bullring. August 11th.
• In Bayonne. Mutxiko, Traditional Dances. Place Jacques Portes. August 11^th and 18^th.
• In San Sebastian. Semana Grande (Big week of San Sebastian). Popular party with famous fireworks in Concha beach and lots of visitors. From August, 11th to 18th.
• In San Sebastian. Fair of agricultural products of the Basque Country. Vinuesa Father Place. August 10th and 17th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Lâcher de lanternes. Letting go of lanterns.Show. August 14th.
• In Bayonne. Season 2018 run. Bullfights of Bayonne. First bullfighting place in France. Bullring. August 14th, 30th and 31st. And September 1st.
• In Bayonne. Corrida Goyesque. 11am: Novillada without picador. 18h: Corrida goyesque. Bullring. August 14th.
• In Llodio, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Amurrio, Moreda de Álava, Nanclares de Oca, Elvillar,  Asparrena, Portugalete, Guernika,... Feasts in honor to Our Lady of the Assumption (August 15th) and San Roque (August 16th). From August 14^th until 18^th.
• In Araia. Shepherd Day. Exhibition and sale of cheese, artisan and ecological products. XV edition of the Idiazabal cheese contest. Alava Championship of Dogs Pastor. Tuesday, August 15th.
• In Plentzia. Idiazabal Cheese Contest. XXX Official Competition D.O. August 18^th.
• In Bilbao. Semana Grande (Big week of Bilbao). One of the most popular parties in the Basque Country. From August 18th to 26th.
• In Gijón, Asturias. Natural Cider Party. Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. From August 20th until 26th.
• In Llodio. "Baserritar Eguna". Farmers' Day. Festivities of San Roke. Exhibition and sale of farm products with tasting of txakoli and cider as well as meat pintxos. Dulzaineros, trikitilaris and txistularis. Rural sport, and shepherd dog contest. Plaza de Lamuza. August 23^rd.
• In San Sebastian. Dantz Festival. Electronic music. District of Egia of San Sebastián, with Tabakalera and Gasteszena as main stages, and whose programming extends to various clubs in the city. From August 29th until 31^st.
• In Bayonne. Atlantic Feria. Novillada without picadors and corrida. Bullfighting atmosphere, eating places, flamenco and Sevillian dancer’s concerts. Bullring. From August 30^th until September 1^st.
• In Pipaon. Crafts Fair. Museum of living ethnography. Sample of elaboration of artisan products, mowing, soap making, bread ... August 31st.
• In San Sebastian. Euskal Jaiak - Basque festivities. Old part of the city. The Day of the Cider will start the festival of Basque culture. Musical and sports activities and the best Basque gastronomy are its main claim. From August 31st to September 8th.

 

San Sebastián Musical Fortnight. From August 1st until 31st.

Regarding arts and exhibits:

• In Getaria. Cristobal Balenciaga: Fashion and Heritage. Contexts Fashion and Heritage maintain a paradoxical dialogue that contrasts the ephemeral and the permanent. A conversation that, nevertheless, converges in the designer. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From March 1st, 2019 to January 20th, 2020.
• In Bilbao. Never real and always true. Exhibition on the symbiosis between art and literature. A motto that connects the thirteen participating artists, who move between both worlds and whose works deal naturally with art as a literary genre and literature as an exhibition project. Azkuna Center. From March 14th until September 22nd.
• In Bilbao. “Jenny Holzer: The Indescriptible”. Its medium, whether it is translated into T-shirts, plaques or electronic signals, is the text. Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. From March 22nd, 2019 until September 28th.
• In Bilbao. Juan De Alcega, Universal Tailor. Illustrious personage of Gipuzkoa of Century XVI, author of the first treaty of tailoring published in all Europe, in the year 1580. Maritime Museum. From April 3rd until September 29th.
• In Bilbao. Gerhard Richter: Marinas. With these paintings and drawings, Richter confronts us with the problem of representation, since the painted surface and the photographic record merge. Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. From May 24th until September 9th.
• In Bilbao. Zuloaga (1870-1945). Exhibition about the painter Ignacio Zuloaga, considered in his time the most important Spanish artist and with the greatest international projection. Museum of Fine Arts. From May 29th until October 10th.
• In Bayonne. Exhibition: The Century of Balenciaga. DIDAM. From June 7th to September 8th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Open by Concert. Cultural programming throughout the summer. Cathedral of Santa Maria, Portico de la Luz. From June 7th to September 14th.
• In San Sebastian. Summer courses at the University of the Basque Country. Miramar Palace. Quality and varied program of courses, seminars, workshops and conferences. From June 15th until September 15th.
• In Hernani. Cultural program of the Chillida Leku museum for the summer. Different activities of dance, music or yoga and there will be workshops for children and night visits. From June 21st until September 30th.
• In Bilbao. Temporary exhibition “Giants and Bigheads of Bilbao". Sample in which you can enjoy the popular characters of the Bilbao City Council. Basque Museum. From July 1st until September 15^th.
• In Biarritz. Piano Festival. Hôtel du Palais. From July 29^th until August 7th.
• In Biarritz. Itsasoa Choir Concert. About fifty choristers divided into 4 to 8 desks. His program has been designed to satisfy all audiences with sacred songs, traditional, but also contemporary; all from the rich Basque musical and cultural heritage. Sainte Eugenie Church. August 1^st and 20^th.
• In San Sebastian. Donostia-San Sebastián Musical Fortnight. It is the longest standing classical music festival in Spain and one of the most time-honoured in Europe. Kursaal Elkargunea Center, Victoria Eugenia Theater and other stages. From August 1st until 31st.
• In Biarritz. Thursdays in the gardens of the ocean. This summer event offers a selection of exceptional artists: concerts, circuses or acrobats, contemporary or urban dance, exhibition or outdoor cinema. City of the ocean. August 1st, 8th, 16th and 29th.
• In Biarritz. Concert: Lyrical Songs and Grand Organs. The performers, Philippe BARRET baritone and Raphaël TAMBYEFF organ, will have in their program works of Bach, Franck, Handel, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Vivaldi ... Church Saint Charles. August 2^nd.
• In Biarritz. "International double bass", World music. On the occasion of the fourth edition of the International Academy of Double Bass of Biarritz. Some of the best specialists in the world meet for rich encounters, exchanges, enrichment and transmissions. South forecourt of the Municipal Casino. August 2^nd
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert with Keep Smillin. Kiosk, Place Louis XIV. August 3^rd and 31^st.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Spanish dance and flamenco show - Porompom Pon. Ducontenia Park. August 4^th, 11^th, 23^rd and 25^th.
• In San Sebastian. Glad is the Day. Festival Music with concerts, DJs, flea markets and children's activities. Cristina Enea Park. August 5th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert of the Basque choirs of Arin. Saint John the Baptist Church. August 5^th.
• In Biarritz. Oldarra - Men's choir from the Basque Country. Oldarra (meaning moose in Basque) is composed of forty amateur singers. He interprets, a capella, both religious and secular polyphonic works. Originally exclusively Basque, the repertoire has expanded, incorporating works from around the world. Church of St. Eugenie. 21:30 h. August 5^th and 12th.
• In Anglet. Cinema on the beach. Projection of a movie on a large screen. Chambre d'Amour. July 16th, 23rd and 30th. August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.
• In Bayonne. Concert Chorus of Men Haiz Egoa. Gate of Spain. August 7^th and 14^th.
• In Biarritz. Malandain Ballet Biarritz - Marie-Antoinette. Gare du midi Theater. 21:00 h. August 7th, 8th and 9th.
• In Bayonne. Bayonne in Concert. Cathedral. August 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st. September 7^th, 14th and 28th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert of the orchestra “The violins of France". Church. August 8^th.
• In Bayonne. Concert of Harmony Bayonnayse. Tile halls. August 9^th.
• In Pozalagua. Music festival. Outside amphitheater of the Pozalagua Caves. The concerts will claim the best tradition of rock and classical music with the performance of Desira, Remember Queen and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. August 9th and 10^th.
• In Bilbao. West Side Story. Musical. Arriaga Theater. From August 14th to September 8th.
• In Biarritz. Fireworks. Theme: "The Masters of Fire". Great Beach / Basta Boulevard / General de Gaulle Street. August 15th.
• In Bilbao. The call. The original Musical by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo "Los Javis". Auditorium of the Esukalduna Palace. From August 15th until 19th.
• In Bilbao. Album of Zarzuela - Anthology. Room A1 Theater of the Esukalduna Palace. From August 15th until 19th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert: Show Must Go On (Queen). Kiosk, Place Louis XIV. August 17^th.
• In Bilbao. Ghost the musical. Auditorium of the Esukalduna Palace. From August 21st until September 7th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert: Flute and Harp Concert Guy Angelloz - Elodie Baile. Church. August 22^nd.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Ravel Festival. Mauricio Ravel Auditorium / San Juan de Luz Church. From August 26th until September 15th.

 

Crossing the bay to swim. 

Baie Saint Jean de Luz / Ciboure. August 15^th.

Regarding Basques and others sport:

• In San Sebastian. Horse races. San Sebastian Racecourse. From June to September.
• In Biarritz. Summer table tennis tournaments. Every Friday in July and August, the Gulls of Biarritz organize summer tournaments open to licensed players and to the leisure public, adults and children. Room Dagorette. July and August.
• In Biarritz. Jai Alai Basque traditional sport competition. Several dates on July, August and September.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. International professionals of cesta punta. Jai Alai fronton. From July 2nd until August 29th.
• In San Sebastian. The "Classic" Cyclist race. It is part of the UCI ProTour. It starts in the morning and returns to the city in the afternoon with a route of 225 km throughout the province. August 3rd.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Teink Trophy. Port of the fishermen. August 3^rd.
• In Biarritz. Rugby: Biarritz Olympique Basque Country / Angouleme. Friendly game. A new concept in France for the greatest happiness of your children. Aguilera Sports Park. August 3^rd and 10^th.
• In Ribadesella, Asturias. The descent of the Sella River. This festival of international interest is one of the most important events in canoeing worldwide. August 4^th.
• In Biarritz. Basque Force show. Mazon Park. August 4^th, 11^th and 18^th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Traditionnels Basques Sports. Municipal Fronton. August 5th and 12th.
• In Bayonne. Basque Ball: Champioship Finals of France. Fronton of the Jean Dauger stadium. August 15th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Crossing the bay to swim. Baie Saint Jean de Luz / Ciboure. August 15^th.
• In Anglet. Surf at night. Professional surf night competition. Sables d'Or Beach. Day and night. August 17^th.
• In Anglet. Pro Anglet. Professional surfing competition QS 1,500. From August 20th until 25th.
• In San Sebastian. Swim around the island. The Concha Bay. Adults 3km swimming. Children, 600m La Concha Beach. From August 25^th.

And remember, if you are thinking to come to Bilbao, San Sebastian, Rioja, Vitoria and Pamplona or anywhere else in the Basque Country, you can get a better understanding on our culture and traditions with a local guide.

Enjoy Basque Country!!!