Apuntes sobre el folklore vasco

Abstract

Folklore involves popular wisdom and it collects the customs and traditions from different countries or from different cultures within a society. Folklore is created by society and it is aimed at society; it tells of the character and the personality of its people.

Basque folklore, which is of particular interest to us, has a very different character from other ones in Spain. Thanks to its simplicity and sobriety, we may say that it closely resembles the neighbouring European style. Most of its activities have their origins in traditional work, such as the Aizkolariak (cutters of trunks), Arijasotzaileak (lifters of stones), Segalariak (cutters of grass), Gizon Proba (dragging stone), Sokatira (pulling rope), and the Idi Proba (dragging of stone with oxen). Moreover, there are songs, some of which are really important, such as Gernikako Arbola, Agur Jaunak or Boga Boga, as well as dances, such as the Aurresku, Espatadantza, all of which are accompanied by music played on typical instruments, such as the txistu or the tamboril.

In this article, we will attempt to present, in an exhaustive way, the richness of the art and the traditions that characterize the Basque people.