THINGS TO DO IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY - AGENDA JULY 2021

TRADITIONS, ART, MUSIC, EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS BASQUE AGENDA. JULY 2021.

A list of best events for the traveler in July 2021 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.

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 Mundaka. Saint Pedro parties. Famous processions of San Pedro, the Aurresku, the pipers, the big heads or the maritime kukaña. The big day is June 29th, although the celebrations run from June 20th to July 5th.

The dance of the Kaxarranka in Lekeitio

• 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 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. Cancelled.
• In Guernica- Lumo. Tasting and tasting peppers of Guernica. Horticultural fair. Exhibition and sale of Basque crafts. July 3rd. Cancelled.
• In Anglet. Outdoor night market. Chambre d'Amour. July 2nd, 9^th, 16^th and 30^th. August 6^th, 13^th and 20^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. Cancelled.
• Amorebieta-Etxano / Barakaldo / Santurtzi. Carmen festivities. Patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen. From July 10th to 21st.
• 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. Cancelled.

Salinas de Añana

• 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 13^th. Cancelled.
• 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 Orio. Sea Bream festival. From July 16^th until 18^th.
• In Biarritz and Bayonne. Fireworks on France National Day. July 14^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 17th.
• In Okondo. XIII Txakolin jaia. Exhibition and tasting of local txakoli of the Arabako Txakolina denomination. July 17th. Cancelled.
• In Biscay (plenty towns). Festivals of Carmen. Party atmosphere and cellebrations in: Balmaseda and Mungia. July 18^th.
• In Villabona. Beer Fair. XXIV Producers beer festival in Basque Country, Spain and internationally. 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 Astigarraga. Cider Day. Try local cider and enjoy local craftsman and Basque traditional sports in this town near San Sebastian. July 22nd.
• 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.

The Neska and the Blusa Day. 
St. James's Day. Garlic Fair 

• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Neska and the 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 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. 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. Cancelled.

Regarding arts, congress and exhibits in Basque Country: 

• In Bilbao. ABC: The alphabet of the Bilbao Museum. Exhibition for its 110 years of inauguration. Museum of Fine Arts. From October 6th, 2018 until December 30th, 2021.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. "Windows to the Basque art collection" between the years 1850-1950. Artists who introduced the new artistic languages -impressionism, symbolism or Fauvism- in the Basque Country, after passing through Paris and other European capitals. Museum of Fine Arts of Álava. From January 17th, 2020 until September 26th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. "Ignacio Figueroa, Marquis of Villamejor". A portrait by Joaquín Bárbara y Balza: life and work of an artista recovered [1867–1931]. Museum of Fine Arts of Álava. From September 25th, 2020 until September 12th.
• In Bilbao. Bilbao and the Painting. A perspective of painting in Bilbao on the 19th Century when Bilbao was one of the most important cities in Spain through a set of artist which incorporated French Impressionism and other avant-garde art currents. Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. From January 29th until August 28th.
• In San Sebastian. Seeing Auschwitz. After presenting the award-winning “Auschwitz. Not a long time ago. Not far” produced together with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the San Sebastian company “Musealia” returns to the concentration camp with a new exhibition: Seeing Auschwitz. Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea From January 27th until July 3rd.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Expo: Basque artistic and cultural practices from 1977 to 2002. Artium Center. From February 8th to December.

Bigarren bidea (Second way).

• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Expo: Bigarren bidea (Second way). Basque women's artists from 1977 to date. Artium Center. From March 5th to December.
• In Bilbao. Exhibition of movable industrial material considered Cultural Heritage. 2,000 pieces: old motorcycles, fire trucks, linotypes and printing material, remains of the mining industry and its auxiliary sector, anchors, a port crane, motors, hydraulic presses, models…. Konsoni Factory - Konsoni Lantegia. From March 5th until January 7th, 2022.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Playing cards women producers: A living memory. The work carried out by these women stands out. Museo Fournier de Naipes de Álava. From March 24th until January 31st, 2022.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Katinka Bock. "Logbook (invitations and routes)". First exhibition dedicated to the Frankfurt am Main artist in Spain. Artium Center. From March 27th to September 12th.
• In Azpeitia. Travel on the steam train. The Basque Railway Museum presents one of the best railway collections in Europe, with locomotives of all kinds, wagons, clocks as well as perfectly restored and in-use historical electrical installations. From March 31st until November 1st.
• In Biarritz. Exhibition - Event Jackie and the Kennedys. 164 large format prints, captioned by an anecdote, often unpublished. Public Garden, Grande Plage, Square d'Ixelles, Côte des Basques, Golf le Phare. From April 5th to September 5th.
• In Bilbao. Mendiburu. Matter and memory. More than a hundred pieces including sculptures and works on paper. Museum of Fine Arts. Room 32. From April 14th until September 5th.
• In Bilbao. Womanology. José Ramón Prieto Collection. Contemporary art made up exclusively of female artists, most of them belonging to the same generation. Museum of Fine Arts. From April 30th until September 5th.
• In Getaria. Exhibition “Alaïa & Balenciaga. Sculptors of the form”. More than 100 works by both creators - Azzedine Alaïa (1935-2017) and Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) - belonging to the collections of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in Paris. Tenth anniversary of the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From April 30th until October 31st.
• In Bilbao. Eszena Kalera. 27 Basque art companies on the street circuit. From May 5th to September 26th.

The roaring 20s. Exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum

• In Bilbao. The roaring 20s. Exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in which the artistic director of the Arriaga Theater, Calixto Bieito, participates as a designer. And in the theater you can see a program for two months that will evoke that time of effervescence and creative freedom. From May 7th to September 19th.
• In Bilbao. Exhibition "Ibarrola in the estuary, water, iron, fire and air". Exhibition by the Basque Agustín Ibarrola (Basauri, 1930) with 17 large-format oil paintings and 20 drawings on maritime and industrial themes of the Bilbao Estuary. From May 11th until January 31st., 2022.
• In Bilbao. Exhibition "All concerts, every night, all empty" by the artist Ana Laura Aláez. Azkuna Center. From May 20th to September 26th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. The relics of Martioda. A restored treasure. Museum of Fine Arts of Álava. From May 28th until January 16th, 2022.
• In Biarritz. 5th edition, Colorama Street Art Festival. Offers the public to discover the former Hôtel Bellevue: dedicated to rehabilitation, 28 national artists who have transformed the space by sublimating it thanks to their talent and a guideline, the color blue. From May 29th until August 28th.
• In San Sebastian. Exhibition: Hondalea (Sea Abyss). Inspired by the remarkable geology of the Basque coast, Cristina Iglesias has transformed the interior of the Casa del Faro on the island of Santa Clara, restoring it and turning it into a breathtaking sculptural environment. From June 3rd to September 29th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Festival In Situ 2021. From June 4th until July 2nd.
• In Bilbao. Exhibition "Luis Paret in Bilbao. Sacred and profane art". Articulated in two locations - the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Sacred Art, both in Bilbao. From June 9th until September 5th.
• In Hernani. Tàpies in Zabalaga. Exhibition focused on the large-format sculptures of the Catalan artist. Chillida Leku Museum. Free guided tour from June 12th to September 30th. From June 10th, 2021 to January 10th, 2022.
• In Bilbao. The line of wit. Selection of works from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao's Own Collection whose common features are humor, wit and experimentation. From June 11th until February 6th.
• In San Sebastian. Exhibition: "The longest trip. The first round the world". In commemoration of the first circumnavigation of the earth by Magellan and Elcano. San Telmo Museum. From June 26th to October 24th.
• In Bilbao. Bilbako Kalealdia (International Festival of Theater and Street Arts.). Street shows, contemporary dance, circus and puppets. From June 28^th until July 3^rd.

International Jazz Festival in Getxo

• Jazz Festivals:
• In Getxo, International Jazz Festival from June 30^th until 4^th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz, 44th Jazz Festival from July 14th until 18^th.
• In San Sebastian, 56th Heineken Jazzaldia from July 21^st until 25^th.
• In Biarritz. Orchestral Ensemble of Biarritz. Concert "Symphonic Reunion". Works by Brahms, Dvorak, Prokofiev, Guridi, Sibélius, Barber, Fucik, Katchatourian... Gare Du Midi Teather. July 1st.
• In Bilbao. Aurrera Fest 2021. Festival of local artists. Euskalduna Palace. From July 1st to 5th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Dibertikale: animations in squares, streets and parks near civic centers. From July 1st to 16th.
• In Bayonne. Concerts in front of the terraces and cafes of the city. From July 1st to September 18th.
• 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. Van Gogh's Ear in Concert. New album "A Whisper In The Storm". Buesa Arena. July 2nd.
• In Bayonne. Everyday wefts. Haritik harira. Textile collections of the Basque and History Museum. From July 2nd until January 2nd, 2022..
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Green Valley. Six musicians from Alava and Catalonia maintain Reggae and Dancehall. Buesa Arena. July 3rd.
• In Bilbao. The Tessee Rocking Boys + Big Band Guest artists. Presentation concert of his album "Es de Noche y es la Hora". Basque-Argentine classic rock & roll band sung in Spanish. Euskalduna Palace. July 3rd.
• In Bilbao. XII Japan Weekend. Commercial stands, illustrators and artisans, associations, video games, cosplay. Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC!). July 3rd.
• In Bilbao. Sabina Tribute Dinner-Concert of the group “Pacto entre Caballeros en quintet”. Six musicians on stage offer the best of Joaquín Sabina's most electric and rock repertoire, while you have dinner. Torre BEC Restaurant! + Terrace. July 3rd.
• In San Sebastian. COMIK-D, International Comic and Manga Fair. Kursaal Conference Palace. From July 3rd until 5th. Cancelled.

Agustín Ibarrola exhibition, Naturalki.

• In Bilbao. Agustín Ibarrola exhibition, Naturalki. Tribute to his 90th birthday. The exhibition focuses on the fundamental relationship established between art and nature in the author's work. Rekalde Room. Until July 4th.
• In Bilbao. Songs of a life. Tenor Andoni Martínez Barañano. Songs in Spanish, Italian and Basque. Euskalduna Palace. July 4th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. X Geological Congress of Spain. Event of the Geological Society of Spain. Europe Conference Center. From July 5th to July 7th.
• In Bilbao. "FARO" is a flamenco show inspired by the poetry of the lighthouse, witness of innumerable battles and magical celebrations. Eduardo Guerrero, the Spanish bailaor with the most international projection. Euskalduna Palace. July 7th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. XV National Meeting of Electroceramics. Villa Suso Palace. From July 7th to July 9th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Korterraza Gasteiz Short film festival. Summer, shorts and films an outdoor terrace. From July 7^th until 10^th.
• In Hernani. The Jayhawks in concert. Minneapolis Group. Summer program. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 8th.
• In Biarritz. Madrid Choir And Symphony Orchestra. Traditional Basque songs. Church of Sainte Eugénie. July 8th.
• In Bilbao. BBK Live Festival. International music groups. Fields of Kobetamendi. From July 9^th until 11^th. Cancelled
• In Hernani. Lina and Raül Refree in concert. Lina, a classically trained fado singer, two albums on Sony Music and an expert on Amália Rodrigues. Summer program. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 10th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Unity Stars Nation World Summer Cup. Qualifying days of rappers duels. The best freestylers in the world will compete in the “cock fights”. Exhibition battle by Endika Gutiérrez, ‘Invert’, Basque rapper. Iradier Arena. July 10th.
• In Bilbao. Anxiety does not kill, but fatigue. Patricia Ramírez and Rafa Blanca. A psychologist and an actor with one goal: that he comes out happier than he entered. Campos Eliseos Theater. July 10th.
• In Biarritz. Art Shopping Biarritz. International Contemporary Art Fair. Municipal Casino. From July 10th to 12th.
• 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. Cancelled.
• 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 12th and 26th.

National Day in France. 
Fireworks from 14th July

• In Saint Jean de Luz and Bayonne. National Day in France. Fireworks from 14th July. Concert. July 14^th.
• In Biarritz. Lutxi Nesprias - Shubert, Rachmaninoff. Piano recital. Hotel du Palais. July 16th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. A moonless night. Juan Diego Botto. A work in which we approach the lesser known aspects of the life and work of the poet Federico García Lorca. Antzokia Principal Theater. July 16th.
• In Labastida. IV Sustainable Enogastronomic Meeting "Around the Table". Event to taste Rioja Alavesa wines and taste the best gastronomic products of the Basque Country. July 16th, 17th and 18th.
• In Bermeo. Book Fair. Lamera Park. From July 16th to 25th.
• In Tuesta, Angosto, Bachicabo. Schubertaldia / Schubertiada 2021. Franz Schubert concerts in churches. July 16th, 17th, 23rd and 30th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Rulo y la Contrabanda in concert. From his double CD: "Based on real events". Buesa Arena. July 17th.
• In Bilbao. "A Basque in Seville" and "Arquitectos del Aire- Alhóndiga". Two pieces by the dancer Mikel del Valle. MDVDanza is a Basque company based in Bilbao. Euskalduna Palace. July 17th.
• In Bilbao. The Beatles Tribute by The Mersey Beatles. The sound of Liverpool comes with: Let It Be, Yesterday, Paperback Writer, Twist and Shout… Euskalduna Palace. July 17th.
• In Hernani. Cécile McLorian Salvant in concert. One of the best voices in Jazz today. Jazzaldia Festival. Sullivan Fortner (piano). Chillida-Leku Museum. July 18th.
• In Getaria. Casa Balenciaga fantasy workshops: first deepening course. Critobal Balenciaga Museum. From July 19th to 23rd.
• In Bilbao. Queen Tribute - Break Free. Get excited with We Are the Champions and I Want to Break Free, sing We Will Rock You or Bohemian Rhapsody and move to the rhythm of Another One Bits The Dust. Euskalduna Palace. July 22nd.

12th Biarritz Piano Festival

• In Biarritz. 12th Biarritz Piano Festival: Opening - Thomas Enhco & Vassilena Serafimova. Gare du Midi Theater. From July 22nd to August 13th.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Mikel Urdangarin: "Izurdeen lekua". Principal Theater. July 23rd.
• In Hernani. Marc Ribot, Ceramic Dog: "Hope" in concert. Jazzaldia Festival. One of the most inventive and creative guitarists today. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 24th.
• In Bilbao. 28^th Euskal Encounter. Massive gathering of amateurs and computer professionals. Bilbao Exhibition Center. From July 24^th until 26^th.
• In Bilbao. Dire Straits "Sultan of Swing" Tribute Dinner-Concert. Torre BEC! Restaurant, Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC!). July 26th.
• In Hernani. Opera garage: La Bohème by Puccini. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 29th.
• In San Sebastian. La Pastorale. Ludwig van Beethoven's 6th Symphony, also known as the Pastoral Symphony, conveys the composer's passionate love for nature. Malandain Ballet Biarritz. From July 29th to August 1st.
• In Hernani. Paco Ibáñez in concert. "Vivencias" a journey through the songs that have marked his artistic career and his life. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 30th.
• In Hernani. Xoel López in concert. One of the most reliable and representative artists of the Ibero-American independent scene. Chillida-Leku Museum. July 31st.
• In Bilbao. Muntadas. The empty city. An audiovisual piece commissioned by the museum, in which the Catalan artist invites us to look at the city from a different point of view. Showing Bilbao, its current urban planning and its historical context, are the starting point for a broader investigation of public space and architecture. Until September 5th.
• In Bilbao. Zura eta Ura. Photo exhibition that invites to think about the loss of identity in the fishermen ports after the progressive substitution of wooden boats by boats made of synthetic materials. Maritime Museum. Until September 26th.

Regarding Basque sports: 

• In San Sebastian. Horse races. Racecourse. Different dates from June to September 5th.
• In Biarritz. Summer table tennis tournaments. Les Goélands de Biarritz organize summer tournaments open to licensed players and the leisure public, adults and children. Dagorette room. Every Friday in July and August (except Friday August 13th).
• In Socoa. Pala tournament. Sport competition. From July 1st until August 21st.

Yoga between sculptures & Brunch. Chillida-Leku Museum. 

• In Hernani. Yoga between sculptures & Brunch. In case of rain the yoga session will be held in the Pilar Room of the museum. Chillida-Leku Museum. Every Saturday from July 3rd until August 29th.
• In San Sebastian. International Football Tournament Donosti Cup. 400 football teams from all over the world. Mini stadium of Anoeta, Matigoxotegi, Berio, Herrera, Jasonebaso, Martutene, Zubieta, San Ignacio, Hernani, Urnieta and Fanderia. From July 4^th until 10^th.
• In Biarritz. Gant d'Or qualification. Fronton Euskal Jai Aguilera. July 5th.
• In Anglet. 17th. International Surf Film Festival. Promote creativity and the artistic side of surf movies. Chambre d'Amour. From July 5^th until 8th.
• In Biarritz. Basque Ball at Cesta Punta - Golden Glove. Fronton Euskal Jaï Aguilera. From July 7th until August 23rd.
• In Biarritz. Basque Ball in Grand Chistera. Mazon Park. July 8th, 14th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
• 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 9^th until 11^th.
• In Saint Jean de Luz. Golf: Prix Thalasso Spa. Hélianthal Thalazur. 1st round on July 10th in Chantaco. 2nd round on July 11th at La Nivelle.
• In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ironman. Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz Full & Half. The test will culminate in Plaza España. July 12^th. Cancelled.
• In Ullibarri Gamboa. Spanish Autonomous Team Championship, Optimist Class 2021. Club Náutico Vitoria. From July 22nd to 25th.
• In Anglet. Beach Rugby Festival. Beach rugby tournaments, demonstrations and initiations. Sables d’Or beach. Day and night. From July 23rd to 25th.
• In San Sebastian. 2020 Cycling Classic. July 31st.
• 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 Aitor Delgado Basque Private Tours website that we launched in December 2019