Cherry Festival

The Black Cherry of Itxassou, a Living Heritage

The black cherry of Itxassou is one of the gastronomic treasures of the Basque Country. This small, juicy black fruit, cultivated on the village hillsides for centuries, is inseparable from the black cherry jam that traditionally accompanies the Basque cake and sheep's cheese. The Cherry Festival, organized since 1952 by the Itsasuarrak association, celebrates this living heritage before the harvest, bringing the entire village together in an atmosphere of joy and sharing.

A Day of Basque Traditions

The day begins at 9 am with a bilingual mass (Basque and French) that anchors the festival in its spiritual and cultural roots. At 11 am, a Basque pelota demonstration at the Atharri fronton brings players and spectators together in the passion for this emblematic sport. The entire village vibrates to the sound of txistus and ttun-ttuns, traditional instruments that accompany the festivities.

The Lively Grand Meal and Basque Strength Games

The lively grand meal, served from 1 pm, is the convivial heart of the festival. Guests share a menu made from local products, accompanied by musicians from the Alaiak group. In the afternoon, from 3:30 pm, the Basque strength games (euskal indar jokoak) offer spectacular events: stone lifting, straw bale lifting, wood sawing, and other displays of strength that captivate the audience.

Basque Dances and Makilaris

From 4:30 pm, traditional Basque dances and the makilaris (stick dancers) offer a colorful and captivating show in the village square. These ancestral choreographies, passed down through generations, testify to the richness of the Basque Country's dance heritage. The mutxiko, a participatory dance open to all, invites the public to join the dancers.

Sale of Cherries and Local Products

Throughout the day, local producers offer fresh Itxassou cherries, artisanal jams, Basque cakes, and other local products for sale. Tasting stands allow visitors to discover the different varieties of cherries grown in the village. Access to the festival is free, with only the meal being charged, making this event accessible to all visitors.

An Event Listed as Intangible Heritage

The Itxassou Cherry Festival is listed in the Inventory of France's Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing the exceptional cultural value of this celebration that has perpetuated the link between a village, a fruit, and a community for over 70 years. The Itsasuarrak association works to pass on this tradition to new generations while opening it up to an ever-wider audience.