What to do in the Basque Country Events - Agenda July 2020

TRADITIONS, ART, MUSIC, EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS BASQUE AGENDA. JULY 2020.

A list of best events for the traveler in July 2020 in the Basque Country in Spain & France, Rioja & Cantabria selected by Aitor Delgado Tours. Cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian, Biarritz, Rioja, Bayonne, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Guernica…

Please note that some of the events below may change due to regulations to control Covid-19.

St Ignatius Loiola Festival. In Azpeitia, Biscay & Gipuzkoa.
From July 30th to August 2nd.

Best Basques traditions and festivities in Basque Country: 

• In Ordizia. Agricultural Fair. Farm products fair. Every Wednesday.
• In Hondarribia. Agricultural Fair. Sale of local products. Wednesdays at Damarri Plaza and Saturdays at the Port.
• In Mungia. Peasant Market. Exhibition and sale of farm products. Every Friday.
• In Bilbao. Gure Lurreko Merkatuak. Market of products of the hamlets of Bizkaia, made in a traditional way by their farmers, with Basque varieties and native breeds. Slow food, natural and local foods. Tinglados del Arenal. Every Saturday.
• In Tolosa. Agricultural Fair. Farm products fair. Every Saturday.
• In Irun. Agricultural Fair. Vegetable Fair. Every Saturday.
• In Bilbao. Flower and plant market. Flowers and plants grown and collected directly by local producers. A melting pot of colors and smells. Tinglados del Arenal. Every Sunday.
• In Lekeitio. Saint Peter parties. The dance of the Kaxarranka (a dantzari dances on a chest or kutxa carried by eight fishermen), the Kilin-Kala (consists in the risk of throwing the image of the Saint into the water, to ask for good fishing) and the aurresku (basque tipical dance) of women. From June 29^th to July 1^st.
• In Mundaka. Saint Peter parties. Big Day on June 29. From June 20th until July 5th.
• In Irun. Baserritar eguna: Day of the Peasant. Festivities of San Pedro and San Marcial. July 1^st.
• In Portugalete. Party in honor of the Virgin of the Guide. Txistularis, fanfarrias, cabezudos, triki-trixas, dances, contests, parades, sokatira and other festive activities. July 1^st.
• In Bayonne. Terraces in concert for the Holy Spirit festivals. July 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd.
• In Okondo. XII Txakolin jaia. Exhibition and tasting of local txakoli of the Arabako Txakolina denomination. July 4th.
• In Guernica- Lumo. Tasting and tasting peppers of Guernica. Horticultural fair. Exhibition and sale of Basque crafts. July 4^th.
• In Anglet. Outdoor night market. Chambre d'Amour. July 5^th, 12^th and 26^th. August 2^nd, 9^th, 23^rd and 30^th.
• In Salinas de Añana. Fair of the Salt. Light and sound show in the Valle Salado de Añana. Craft Fair of the Salt: exhibition & sale of agricultural products, craftsmen, representative products of the salt and visit to the salty valley. San Cristóbal Day. July 6^th.
• In Pamplona. San Fermin with the Running of the Bulls every morning. The famous festival that Hemingway loved. From July 6^th until 14^th.
• In Santurtzi. Sardine Day. Start of the week of the Fiestas del Carmen. July 10th.
• In Orio. Sea Bream festival. From July 10^th until 12^th.
• In Irun. Roman Festival Dies Oiassonis. Festival connect the past and the present to Oiasso, the Roman city of Irun. From July 11th until 14th.
• In Isaba, in the Basque Country Pyrenees, 3 Cow Tribute Festival, this millenarian tribute is observed amongst two villages of the French & Spanish Basque Country. The oldest agreement in force in Europe. This act possibly occurs from 125 BC, more than 2,100 years ago! July, 13^th.
• In Biscay (plenty towns). Festivals of Carmen. Party atmosphere and cellebrations in: Balmaseda and Mungia. July 14^th.
• In Biarritz and Bayonne. Fireworks on France National Day. July 14^th.
• In Villabona. Beer Fair. XXIV Producers beer festival in Basque Country, Spain and internationally. From July 16^th to 19^th.
• In Antzuola. Boast of the Moor. Traditional festival recalls the battle of Valdejunquera on July 26, 920; in which Abd al-Rahman III was defeated. July 18th.
• 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. July 18^th.
• In Anguiano, La Rioja. The dance of the stilts. In honor of Santa Magdalena. For visitors it is an unusual spectacle; for the countrymen, a religious rite that is part of their customs. From July 21^st to 23^rd.
• In Errenteria, Artziniega, Ayala & Bernedo. Magdalene Festivals. July, 22^nd.
• In Bermeo, Elantxobe and Mundaka. St. Mary Magdalene Day. On this day, these three coastal villages celebrate an ancient dispute as to the ownership of Izaro Island. Clothing: typical fishermen's blue canvas smocks and checked scarves. July 22^nd.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Garlic Fair within Blouse Day and Neska: exposition and sale of garlic on the slope of San Francisco and its surroundings. July, 25^th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Blusa Day. St. James's Day. Donkey run, and parade of boys and girls dressed up with Basque local dressings and bull fighting. July 25^th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Exhibition and sale of local agricultural products. Exhibition of livestock and machinery. Basque Country University. July 25^th.
• In Astigarraga. Cider Day. Try local cider and enjoy local craftsman and Basque traditional sports in this town near San Sebastian. July 26^th.
• In Pasaia. San Pantaleón Day. Sardine Festival. July 27^th.
• In Bayonne. Festivals of Bayonne. Basque French version of the San Fermin Festivals, with bullfighting, running of the bulls and much more. From July 28^th until August 2nd. Cancelled.
• In Azpeitia, Biscay & Gipuzkoa. St Ignatius Loiola Festival. In Azpeitia local music, food, drink and festivals. From July 30^th to August 2^nd.
• In Bayonne. Season 2020 run. Bullfights of Bayonne. First bullfighting place in France. Bullring. From July 31^st until September 6^th.

Eduardo Chillida: Seeking the light expo. Chillida Leku. In Hernani.
From December 6th, 2019 until January 30th 2021.

Regarding arts, congress and exhibits in Basque Country: 

• In Zumaia. Ignacio Zuloaga cultural space. Studio of famous Basque pintos of recognized international prestige. Santiago House. Open from April to September. Private visits all year.
• In Bilbao. Exhibition: ABC. The alphabet of the Bilbao Museum. With this expo the 110th birthday of the museum is celebrated. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. From October 6^th, 2018 until December 30^th, 2020.
• In Hernani. Eduardo Chillida: Seeking the light expo. From a trip that the sculptor made in 1963 through Greece, Italy and French Provence in which he discovers new concepts around light and architecture. Chillida Leku. From December 6^th, 2019 until January 30^th 2021.
• In Bilbao. Olafur Eliasson: In real life. Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson places the viewer's experience at the core of his art. Guggenheim Museum. From February 14th until June 21st. Dates pending revision.
• In Getaria. Fashion and Heritage: Cristóbal. It puts the focus on Cristóbal Balenciaga himself and the imprint he has left behind as a person through various objects that belonged to him and that have been collected in the Museum's collections. Part of the annual program for the 125th anniversary of his birth. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From February 29^th to June 22^nd.
• In Bilbao. Kandinsky at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Paintings and works on paper and trace the aesthetic evolution of Kadinsky throughout his career. From June 12th until January 10th, 2021. Dates pending revision.
• In San Sebastian. Exhibition "The longest trip". Fifth centenary of the first round the world by Fernando de Magallanes and the Basque Juan Sebastián Elcano. Documents of the Archive of the Indies of Seville. San Telmo museum. From June 19th until October 5th. Dates pending revision.
• In San Sebastian. Margaret Watkins: Black Light. Exhibition with the work of a reference photographer from the 20th century. International Center for Contemporary Culture Tabakalera. From June 19th until October 25th.
• In Bilbao. Bilbako Kalealdia (International Festival of Theater and Street Arts.). Street shows, contemporary dance, circus and puppets. From June 29^th until July 4^th.
• In Bilbao. Recital by Alicia Amo. Piano: Rubén Fernandez. Songs of Beethoven, for the 250th anniversary of his birth, Schubert and Mendelssohn; and interpreting beautiful Sephardic melodies. Arriaga Theater. July 1st.
• Jazz Festivals (canceled):
• In Getxo, International Jazz Festival from July 1^st until 5^th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz, XLIV Jazz Festival from July 13^th until 18^th.
• In San Sebastian, Heineken Jazzaldia from July, 22^th until 26^th.
• In Getaria. Balenciaga Collection by designer Azzedine Alaïa. Unpublished exhibition under the direction of the renowned Olivier Saillard, curator of fashion exhibitions and former director of the Palais Galliera, Paris Fashion Museum. Part of the annual program for the 125th anniversary of his birth. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From July 1st to October 2nd.
• In Bilbao. Asier Polo (cellist): Visual poem for a cello. Suites by J. S. Bach. Arriaga Theater. July 2nd.
• In San Sebastian. COMIK-D, International Comic and Manga Fair. Kursaal Conference Palace. From July 3rd until 5th.
• In Rioja Alavesa. Music between vineyards. July 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th.
• In Biarritz. Concert of the Itsasoa Basque choirs. Eglise Sainte Eugénie. July 6th.
• In Bilbao. Lucía Lacarra and Matthew Golding: reunion in dance. Lucía is the most important Basque dance artist in the world today. Music by the Bilbao Sinfonietta. Arriaga Theater. July 7th.
• In Bilbao. Vivaldi: poem for string and two voices. Baroque group Passamezzo Antico, and the young singers Jone Martínez and Maite Maruri. Arriaga Theater. July 8th.
• In Bilbao. BBK Live Festival. International music groups. Fields of Kobetamendi. From July 9^th until 11^th. Cancelled
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Festival of Shorts: Korterraza Gasteiz. Summer, shorts and films an outdoor terrace. From July 9^th until 11^th.
• In Biarritz. Choirs Association - Organ and Trumpet. Eglise Sainte Eugénie. July 10th.
• In Lemoiz. Txapel Reggae in Armintza, since 1990. Open, plural and free festival focused on the diversity of languages and cultures with local, state and international artists. July 11th.
• In Biarritz. Oldara Choir. Men´s choir. They interpret, a cappella, polyphonic works, both religious and secular. Basque works and works from around the world. Eglise Sainte Eugénie. July 13th and 27th.
• In Bilbao. Cabaret and Cambalache time. Theater-cabaret. Actress and singer: Gurutze Beitia. Arriaga Theater. July 14th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Fireworks from 14th July. Great beach. July 14^th.
• In Bilbao. Recital by Andeka Gorrotxategui. The most recognized Basque tenor today. Selection of Basque and Italian songs, zarzuela romances and some opera arias. Rubén Fdez. Aguirre at the piano. Arriaga Theater. July 15th.
• In Bayonne. Concert by the Haiz Egoa Choir. Door of Spain. July 15th and 22nd.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Basque songs with the Alaiak choir. Kiosk, Place Louis XIV. July 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th.
• In Bayonne. L'harmonie Bayonnaise concert. Place Jacques Portes. July 16th.
• In Anglet. Cinema on the beach. Projection of a movie on a large screen. Chambre d'Amour. July 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th. August 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert of the Goraki Basque Choirs. Saint John the Baptist Church. From July 16^th and 27^th.
• In Bayonne. Concert by the Itsasoa choir. Eglise Saint-Esprit. July 17th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert with Alexander's Big Band. Kiosque, Place Louis XIV. July 19th.
• In Bilbao. 28^th Euskal Encounter. Massive gathering of amateurs and computer professionals. Bilbao Exhibition Center. From July 25^th until 28^th.
• In Bermeo. Festival of the Bay of Biscay. The Basque Music and Cuisine Festival. It has three pillars: music, gastronomy and nature. From July 25^th to 28^th. Cancelled

International Cesta punta series. Jai Alai Fronton. In Saint Jean de Luz.
Semifinal: July 16th. Final: From July 16th until 27th.

Regarding Basque sports: 

• In San Sebastian. Horse races. Racecourse. Different dates from June to September.
• In Biarritz. Basque pelota: cesta punta. Open International. Biarritz Jaï Alaï Fronton. July 1^st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th.
• In Biarritz. Basque pelota: big chistera. Trophy City of Biarritz. Basque Country Champioship. Mazon Park. July 2^nd, 9^th, 14^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th.
• In Biarritz. Trotting races. The Hippodrome des Fleurs track is atypical with its raised bends and its rope on the right. Its proximity to the public allows them to experience the spectacle intensely before their eyes. July 4th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, 30th and 31st.
• In San Sebastian. International Football Tournament Donosti Cup. 400 football teams from all over the world. From July 5^th until 11^th.
• In San Sebastian. XXI Sailing regatta. Two crossings: 32 miles from Hendaye to San Sebastian; and the other inside the Bay of La Concha. July 11th and 12^th.
• In Anglet. International Surf Film Festival. Promote creativity and the artistic side of surf movies. Chambre d'Amour. From July 10^th until 13^rd. Cancelled.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ironman. Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz Full & Half. The test will culminate in Plaza España. July 12^th. Cancelled.
• In Beasain. The mountain race "Ehunmilak". It will cross the Gipuzkoan counties of Goierri, Tolosaldea, Urola Kosta, Urola Garaia and Debagoiena, 168 kilometers. From July 12^th until 14^th. Cancelled
• In Biarritz. Basque Force show. Mazon Park. July 12^th, 19^th and 26^th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. International Cesta punta series. Jai Alai Fronton. Semifinal: July 16th. Final: From July 16th until 27th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Grand Bridge Summer Tournament. Kéchiloa Room. July 18th and 19th.
• In Anglet. Beach Rugby Festival. Tournaments, demonstrations and initiations of Beach rugby ... Day and night. Sables d'Or Beach. July 24^th, 25^th and 26^th.
• In San Sebastian. 2020 Cycling Classic. July 25th
• In Saint Jean de Luz. 1^st International Professional Masters of cesta punta, semifinal. Fronton Jai Alai. Semifinal: July 23^rd. Final: July 28^th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. 2^nd International Professional Masters of cesta punta, semifinal. Fronton Jai Alai. Semifinal: July 30^th. Final. August 4^th.
• In Getxo. Circuit of Getxo cycling. Memorial Ricardo Otxoa. July 31^st. New probable date: August 2^nd.

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

Enjoy the Basque Country!

You can also contact us or expand information through the new website that we launched in December 2019.