TRADITIONS, ART, MUSIC, EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS BASQUE AGENDA. SEPTEMBER 2021.
A list of best events for the traveler in September 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.
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, 2021.
- 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, 2021.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Expo: Basque artistic and cultural practices from 1977 to 2002. Artium Center. From February 8th to December.
- 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.
- 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. An exhibition without architecture, by Xabier Salaberria. Photography, drawing and installation are the media used by the artist. Artium Museum. From May 21st to October 3rd.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. The relics of Martioda. A restored treasure. Museum of Fine Arts of Álava. From May 28th until January 16th, 2022.
- 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 26th.
- 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 January 16th.
- 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 Bayonne. Concerts in front of the terraces and cafes of the city. From July 1st to September 18th.
- In Biarritz. Exhibition "Gauargi - The Lantern of the night". Gauargi invites the public to explore Basque rites and traditions: the Compagnie Maritzuli thus offers an original route made up of around thirty costumes accompanied by accessories and numerous iconographic documents. Historical Museum. From July 3rd to October 23rd.
- In Bayonne. The Bonnat-Helleu museum is present in the city with reproductions of works from the museum on totems arranged on the banks of Adour river. Stroll by rediscovering the paintings, sculptures, drawings and works of art gathered around the theme of the human figure. Meet the bodies and portraits signed by the biggest names in the history of art. Totem poles arranged at Pedros quay. From July 7th to September 30th.
- In Anglet. 8th Biennial of Contemporary Art. The Anglet Biennale of Contemporary Art has found its place nationwide in France with the presence of major artists who share their artistic creations with the public. Chambre d'Amour beach. From August 7th until October 31st.
- In Saint Jean de Luz and Ciboure. Ravel Festival 2021. From August 22nd to September 10th.
- In Bilbao. "The Grönholm method". Play premiered 15 years ago and continues to be successful. Euskalduna Palace. From August 26th to September 4th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. FesTVal - Spanish Television Festival. Festival dedicated exclusively to television in all its formats: contests, magazines, series, cultural, educational and social outreach programs, news programs, children's, youth and adult entertainment... From August 31st until September 5th.
- In San Sebastian. Cocoons?, the musical; No means no. Musical theater in which the life and personality of five women are addressed. Victoria Eugenia Theater. From September 1st to 5th.
- In Getxo. Gextophoto. Festival of photography that bets on the use of formats, supports and unconventional spaces to show the images. From September 2nd until 26th.
- In San Sebastian. VII Medical Laser Congress. Meeting of the main references and users of lasers and other innovative technologies in dermatological applications and medical aesthetics. Kursaal Palace. September 3rd and 4th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz, Llodio, Murgía and Bernedo. XXXIX Ancient Music Week of Álava. Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque pieces are performed, with musical instruments typical of that time, originals or original copies. From September 4th to 11th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Exposition Bleu, la Galerie: "Ports de la Baie" by Eric Bourdon. "It is a stroll that the artist offers the viewer, a physical stroll around the three ports that surround the bay but also a stroll through time...". Bleu, la Galerie. From September 4th until October 20th.
- In Biarritz. Lighthouse. By the Inclusive Dance Company of Oxala. The creation of Le Phare is the result of the meeting between "ordinary" dancer / choreographer Tarek Aït Meddour, and Laurence Ricordeau and her Compagnie Extra Ordinaire d'Oxala, and the support of the Fondation Capsule d´arts / Lyon. The Coliseum. September 5th.
- 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 Biarritz. Oldarra - Men's choir from the Basque Country. Oldarra (which means elk in Basque) is made up of forty amateur singers. He performs, a capella, both religious and secular polyphonic works. Originally, exclusively Basque, the repertoire has expanded to include works from all over the world. Church of Sainte Eugénie. September 6th and 15th.
- In Guethary. Concert of Basque songs. Concert with the Bihotzez choir. Theme: Traditional music. Church. September 7th.
- In San Sebastian / Errenteria / Hondarribia / Irun. Dantza Hirian 2021: look, feel, listen. Play the dance! Cross-border festival (Gipuzkoa and Iparralde) of contemporary dance in urban landscapes. From September 10th until 26th.
- In Bilbao. Symphony No. 9, "Choral" by the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, his last complete symphony. 65-minute play, directed by Juanjo Mena, which inaugurates the series of commemorative concerts of the “50th Anniversary Research in Cancer” of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Euskadiko Orkestra and the Orfeón Donostiarra perform it at the Euskalduna Palace. September 11th.
- In San Sebastian. The legend of the kiss, Sasibill. Zarzuela premiered in Madrid in 1924. Victoria Eugenia Theater. September 11th and 12th.
- In Biarritz. Jean-Robert Delpero exhibition. Jean-Robert Delpero divides his life between medicine and his other passion, painting. Encouraged very young by one of his teachers detecting in him his sense of color, he developed over the years an abstract pictorial universe. Crypt of Sainte-Eugénie. From September 11th to November 7th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz and Murgia, Okondo, Ribabellosa, Artziniega, Nanclares de la Oca, Villabuena, San Román de Campezo, Zalduondo, Amurrio, Lapuebla de Argarzón, Samaniego, Villanueva de Valdegovía, Puentelarrá, Zambrana, Salinas de Añana. VI International Magic Festival. "Magialdia 2020". The most prestigious magicians from around the world attend. From September 13th to 19th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Magialdia 2021: Specialized Work Days. Congressional section of Magialdia - International Magic Festival: includes content aimed at magic professionals. Europe Conference Center. From September 13th to 19th.
- In Bayonne. Like marrying a billionaire. The Black Moon. September 15th, 16th and 17th.
- In San Sebastian. Kursaal Film Festival. Online film festival, or also called Video On Demand. "If it's short and it's good, twice it's good." From September 15th until 30th.
- In Sopelana. Sopela Kosta Fest. Festival meeting between surfing, nature and music. From September 17th to 20th. Cancelled.
- In Bilbao. Alice Neel Exhibition: People Come First. First retrospective in Spain of the work of the American artist composed of a hundred paintings, drawings and watercolors. Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. From September 17th until February 6th, 2022.
- Bayona, Bidart, Urrugne, San Juan de Luz, Hendaye,... European Heritage Days. September 18th and 19th.
- In Irún. EKODRIVE, Sustainable Vehicle Fair. Offer of electric and hybrid cars, bicycles and electric scooters. FICOBA. From September 18th until 20th. (Cancelled)
- In San Sebastian. 69th International Film Festival "Zinemaldia". The Donostia Prize, this year, goes to actress Sigourney Weaver. Sections: Official Section, New Directors, Perlas, Culinary Cinema or Zabaltegi-Tabakalera. From September 17th to 25th.
- In San Sebastian. Sebastiane (LGBTQ) Awards: Sebastiane Award of the San Sebastian International Festival and the Sebastiane Latino Award. From From September 17th to 25th.
- In Barakaldo. Break On Stage 2021: International Festival of Urban Cultures. The best International Breakdance. Urban dance, music and urban sports performances: breakdance, scooter, bmx, urban dance, parkour, beat-box and Cyr Wheel. Galindo Skate Parkea, Barakaldes Frontoia and Barakaldo Theater. September 18th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Concert of Basque songs. Concert with the Bihotzez choir. Theme: Traditional music. Eglise Saint jean Baptiste. September 20th.
- In Getxo. Getxo Folk BBK. Concerts by Roberto and Miren Etxebarria, Judith Mateo and Amparanoia, Carlos Núñez, Bitartean and others. Muxikebarri. From September 22nd until 26th.
- In San Sebastian. Donostia Kutxa Kultur Festibala. Hippodrome of San Sebastian. Urban, hip hop, trap, dancehall and mestizaje sounds. Big party around independent music. On September 24th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. ExpOtaku. Hall of Anime, Videogames and Japanese Culture. Topics: manga (Japanese comic), anime (Japanese animation), video games, Japanese culture, comic in general, cinema, series and other elements of alternative youth leisure. Europe Conference Center. From September 24th to 26th.
- 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.
- In San Sebastian. Altza Apain. Urban art meeting 2021. Meetings of artists specializing in murals that take part each year in a neighborhood of the city. Casares-Tomasene Cultural Center. From September 27th to October 3rd.
- In San Sebastian. XIV International Ontology Congress. Natural determinism and free will. Under the Patronage of UNESCO. UPV / EHU Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Anthropology, and Chillida-Leku Museum. From September 28th to October 2nd.
- In San Sebastian. 31st AEMI Conference. Relations between diasporas and their home contries: Historical context, return movements and new migrations. Miramar Palace. From September 29th to October 3rd.
- In Bilbao. X Fair of Used Vehicles. The most varied offer of pre-owned cars, management vehicles, from fleets and rental vehicles, and kilometer zero. Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC!). From September 30th to October 3rd.
- In Bilbao. XI Humor Festival. Ja! Bilbao is a festival that highlights the importance of humors in the arts, particularly in literature. Sala BBK, Alhóndiga Bilbao, Mercado de la Ribera, Campos Elíseos Theatre. From next October 1st until 10th.
- In Bilbao. Open House Bilbao. Festival of open doors of Bilbao in more than 45 buildings to better understand the city through its architecture and urbanism. Free guided tours. From next October 16th and 17th.
Best Basques traditions and festivities in Basque Country:
- In Antzuola / Aretxabaleta / Arrasate / Mondragón / Azkoitia / Azpeitia / Bergara / Eskoriatza / Ezkio-Itsaso / Ezkio-Itsaso / Legazpi / Leintz Gatzaga / Urretxu / Zumarraga. IX edition "The hidden treasures of the Ignatian Land". Cultural activities and visits to the heritage of the regions where Saint Ignacius Loyola lived. From June 12th to December 31st.
- In Urkabustaiz / Zigoitia / Zuia. The bellowing of the deer. Gorbeia Natural Park. All the month of September.
- In Zarautz. Basque parties. Popular food, music in the streets, trikitixa contest, dance performances or recitals of improvisers. From September 1st until 9th.
- In Bayonne. Atlantic Fair: Corrida Goyesque Bleue. Toros de El Montecillo (Toledo) for Enrique Ponce, Daniel Luque and Emilio de Justo. Bayonne Arena. September 3rd.
- In Biarritz. 14th edition Wine and Gastronomy Fair. The world of gastronomic and wine-making crafts comes your way and offers you a tour of France of gastronomy and the know-how of our artisans and producers. 100 artisans, manufacturers, distributors and producers passionate about their products. Iraty Hall. From September 3rd to 6th.
- In Bayonne. Atlantic Feria: 6 toros. For the third year, Bayonne has chosen to distinguish itself by offering a range of 6 bullfighters, with various inspirations and aromas. A duel of top breeders for aficionados: 3 bulls from Valdefresno (José Enrique Fraile) and 3 bulls from Conde de Mayalde. An unprecedented cartel, open to discoveries. Bayonne arena. September 4rd.
- In Bayonne. Atlantic Fair: Corrida. Toros de Garcigrande for two of the biggest stars in the bullfighting world: maestro El JULI and the last winner of the Bullring in Madrid, Paco UREÑA. They will be accompanied by the Frenchman Juan LEAL who has distinguished himself with force in many arenas in recent times... Arènes de Bayonne. September 5th.
- In Legazpi. Artzain Eguna. Shepherd Day. Sheep Cheese Contest of Gipuzkoa. Shepherd Dog Contest. September 5th.
- In Elorrio. Agricultural fair and livestock. Handicrafts. Contest of vegetables, cheeses and txakolí. On September 5th.
- In Gernika-Lumo. Day of the rabbit and the cider of Bizkaia. Horticultural fair. September 5th. (Cancelled)
- In Lekeitio. "Antzar Eguna" or Goose day, a 300 years old tradition to be seen in the local festivities of St Antoline (from September 1st until 8th.). September 5th. Cancelled
- In Portugalete. Agricultural Fair. Exhibition and sale of agricultural products. Competition and distribution of prizes for the best Basque cake, cheese and stall decoration. Walk of the Canilla. September 6th.(cancelled)
- In Ordizia. "Euskal Jaiak" (Basque Festivities). Concerts, Basque rural sports, cooking workshops and gastronomic competitions. Contest of cheeses, cattle, fruits and vegetables, Basque hen and exhibition of perretxikos. Particularly noteworthy is the Latxa Sheep Cheese Contest. September 8th.
- In Hondarribia. Guadalupe Virgin Day. With a traditional parade "Alarde" upto the sanctuary of Guadalupe. September 8th.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. 22nd Transparent agricultural market. The producers of the province offer their products to the locals. September 11th.
- In Sare. Festivities. Basque traditions: dances, sports,... and festive activities. September 11th to 15th.
- In Artziniega. Medieval market. Posts of ciders, bakers, carpenters, potters, morcilleros and artisans, dressed in the clothes of those times. On September 12th. Cancelled.
- In Lanciego. Rioja Alavesa Harvest Festival. Aizkolaris tournament, popular food, performances by musical and dance groups, games and activities for children, parades and a small fair of artisan products and with Label. Wine tasting and awards ceremony. September 14th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Festivals in the Republic street. Guaranteed atmosphere, songs, dances, music.... An important moment in Luzienne's festive life. September 17th and 18th.
- In Zumaia. Octopus day. Activities of: tasting, exhibition and gastronomic competition. Eusebio Gurrutxaga Square. September 18th. (Cancelled)
- In Ibarra. Feria Ibarra, Azoka eta Piparra. Agricultural, artisan and livestock fair. XXI Agricultural, livestock and piparra fair. XVI Gastronomic Championship of the Basque Country of Piparra. XI Meeting of the Piparra of the Basque Country. XXIII Tolosaldea honey contest. Emeterio Arrese Park and San Bartolomé Square. September 19th.
- In Amurrio. "Artzain Eguna" or Shepherd day. Contests sheep, cheese, sheepdogs,… September 19th.
- Lanciego. XXVII edition of the Rioja Alavesa Harvest Festival. Agricultural Fair. Tasting and sale of Rioja Alavesa wine and other products. September 19th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Creators market. Martxuka merkatua. Halls. September 19th and 26th.
- In Mungia. Fair of cattle, wool, horses and goats. Residents and visitors who come to Zarautz take to the streets dressed in traditional Basque costumes on September 20th. (Cancelled)
- In Hernani. Apple and cider day. Exhibition of apples and taste of top quality cider. Trikitixa Championship, the mycological exhibition, ball games, popular food, dance exhibition and musical performances. September 20th. (Cancelled)
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Basque Beer Festival. Concerts, mutxiko, entertainment, meals organized by the Kaskarot Banda. Place des Corsaires. September 24th and 25tth.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Medieval Market. More than 200 craft, gastronomy and hospitality stalls will set the streets to become a city of the Middle Ages. From September 25th to 27th. Cancelled.
- In Astigarraga. Sagar Uzta. Cider party. Apple party. Preparation of the first must of the 2020 harvest. Cider dance, kirikoketa, txalaparta and tasting of the must prepared. Apple exhibition, cider and must tasting, demonstrations, sale of local products. September 27th. Cancelled.
- In Sare. Pigeon hunting with nets. Feast of the Dove. This ancient custom begins every year on September 29, Saint Michael's Day, and ends on November 11, Saint Martin's Day.
- In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Great Week of Pintxo de Álava. Competition between the pintxos (Basque tapas) that are presented in the competition. Tasting phase: from next October 9th to 18th. Final phase: October 22nd.
- 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.
Regarding Basques and others sport:
- In San Sebastian. Horse races. Racecourse. Different dates from June to September 5th.
- In Biarritz. Basque pelota at Cesta Punta - Open d'Aguilera. Fronton Euskal Jaï Aguilera. From September 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th.
- In San Sebastian. Sportjam Surftest. All the fashion of surfing. Kursaal-Palacio de Congresos. From September 3rd to 5th.
- In San Sebastian – Donostia. The biggest rowing event of the year in the North of Spain (dating back to 1879), the flag of La Concha will be hold by the winner of this event. From September 5th until 12th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. 25th Rally of the sea of old vehicles. Parade for the center of the city. September 12th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Golf: Renault Lamerain Saint Jean de Luz Prize. Golf de la Nivelle (Ciboure). September 12th.
- In Biarritz. Basque Country Elegance Automobile. Concours d'Elegance Automobile, a large-scale event organized around the most prestigious vehicles of major brands, Arts exhibitions & an Auto-Moto Club village in Biarritz. Municipal Casino, Hippodrome des Fleurs and Halle d'Iraty and throughout the Basque country. From September 17th to 19th.
- In Dima. Biscay Straw Collecting Championship. September 25th.
- In Saint Jean de Luz. Hoalen Fathers & Sons Surf Contest. Sporty and friendly meeting dedicated to the passion of family surfing. Authorized boards: longboard, shortboard, stand up paddle. With the participation of the Urkirola Surf Club and Surfer's journal. September 25th and 26th.
- In Bilbao. 32nd International Cycling Tour. Routes of 85km, 115 and 125 kilometers, starting from the Deusto Bridge and finishing at Gran Vía Bilbao. September 26th.
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.
You can also contact us or expand information through the new Aitor Delgado Basque Private Tours website that we launched in December 2019
Enjoy the Basque Country!