It's time for the annual transhumance; the pottocks, small, semi-wild ponies are about to come back down into the valley. Join the locals to give them a warm welcome on the Chemin des Carrières (Quarry Path) at the foot of this legendary peak, along with horsemen in traditional costume, dancers and joaldunak - we'll leave you to find out who these "sound carriers" are!
Then it's on to the village: more dancing, eating and drinking side by side with the farmers and shepherds in the covered market hall, sheep shearing and sheep dog demonstrations, apple pressing explained by a local cider master or an introduction to other meadow animals (cows and sheep), local farm produce (honey, cheese...) and crafts from the valley. The day ends on a high note with a kantaldi (choral concert).
If this is your first autumn visit to the Basque Country make the most of this opportunity. The countryside in the autumn light is really worth it, and this festival has something for all the family!
Organiser: Pastore Lore
pastorelore@orange.fr
Highly-inquisitive and nature-loving explorer, hiker and geographer, Sophia's thing is to discover new landscapes while breathing in the fresh country air. On her holiday programme: hiking, canoeing, river cruises, or simply sunbathing...Goodbye traffic jams, hello Mother Nature! This is what “sustainable” tourism looks like!