Lehengo Hazparne

A Journey Back in Time in the Basque Country

Lehengo Hazparne (literally "Hasparren of yesteryear") is a unique cultural event that recreates a Basque folk festival in 1900. Conceived in 1971 by Jacques Coumet, this ambitious project aims to recreate the atmosphere of a typical day in Hasparren at the beginning of the 20th century. Since its creation, the festival has taken place every two years, on the second Sunday of August, bringing the community together in a vibrant celebration of its roots.

The Basque Wedding, a Highlight of the Festival

The highlight of the event is the recreation of a Basque wedding in period costume. The wedding procession moves through the streets of Hasparren, from the starting neighborhood to the church, in a colorful and moving parade. The extras, carefully costumed townspeople, re-enact the rituals and traditions of a traditional Basque wedding: the procession on foot, the wedding songs, the blessing, and the subsequent celebration.

Basque Pelota, Sport of Honor

Basque pelota holds a place of honor in the Lehengo Hazparne program. Games played with passion at the town's fronton recall the importance of this sport in the social life of the Basque Country at the beginning of the century. Visitors can watch demonstrations of different specialties: hand-to-hand, chistera, pala, in an atmosphere of authenticity and fervor.

Crafts, Songs, and Dances of Yesteryear

The streets of the town center, closed to traffic, are transformed into a village of yesteryear. Craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills: blacksmithing, basket weaving, weaving, espadrille making, woodworking. Basque songs echo in the alleys, while traditional dances and the mutxiko invite all participants to share the celebration. Musicians playing the txistu, alboka, and ttun-ttun accompany the processions.

Gastronomy and Camaraderie

Gastronomy plays a central role with traditional meals served outdoors and stalls offering local specialties cooked according to old recipes. The talo (corn pancake), zikiro (grilled lamb), sheep cheeses, and Basque cider complete this culinary immersion into the Basque Country of 1900.

A Free and Intergenerational Festival

Admission to Lehengo Hazparne is completely free. From 8 am to midnight, visitors are invited to wear costumes to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere. The festival is designed to be intergenerational, passing on the living memory of Basque traditions to younger generations in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.