Basque Country Tourist Guide

THE BASQUE COUNTRY

THE BASQUE COAST

t he link between the sea and the Basque Country is nothing new. The Cantabrian Sea has always played an essential role in the landscape, economy and life of the people close to it, giving rise to customs still rooted in the maritime tradition. When you visit places with economies closely linked to the sea you will be better placed to understand something of the nature of this people, and to assimilate experiences that carry the unique signature of an ancient culture. This maritime spirit has its origins in the whaling. Thus fishing offered a stable and worthy way of life: the men going down to the sea to fish, and the women mending the nets or selling the catch. Even today in many ports you can see how they keep to the same roles. The need to protect their interests led the sailors to unite in guilds or cofradías , a tradition that is still very much alive today. The need for protection from the ferocity of the Cantabrian Sea had much to do with the religious leanings of the sailors. This devotion is reflected in the numerous patron saint festivals, such as the “cármenes”, “madalenas” or “san pedros” (festivals consecrated to Our Lady of Carmen, Mary Magdalene and St Pedro respectively) taking place in many coastal towns. The churches they built also bear witness to this devotion: the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Guadalupe in Hondarribia, Santa Catalina in Mundaka and San Telmo in Zumaia. The most remarkable of all is the sanctuary of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe .due to its unique setting... We recommend climbing to the top: you're sure to get a pleasant surprise. This devotion is reflected in a host of maritime celebrations

Getaria

MADALENAS

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