Saint-Pierre-d’Irube was celebrating the last weekend of June. The population responded in large numbers to the many activities that made up the richness of a program concocted by the 40 members of the committee…
Saint-Pierre-d’Irube was celebrating the last weekend of June. The population responded in large numbers to the many events that made the richness of a program concocted by the 40 members of the festival committee. If a rainy episode could have upset the neighborhood aperitifs on Saturday, the other events finally benefited from favorable weather.
The tapas gaua on the opening Friday evening enjoyed its usual popular success; all the culinary preparations of the town’s associations found takers in an atmosphere of dancing and singing that continued late into the night.
To the rhythm of hooves
As they did throughout the festivities, the tireless brass and percussion instruments of the banda des Joyeux enlivened the Sunday mass in a very sing-song church around Father Prédaigne. The crowd was able to follow the long parade of elected officials and associations that went from the Saint-Pierre church to Plaza Berri.
The joaldun opened the procession in front of a three-headed dragon pulled by the young people of the committee. The adult dancers of the Betiko Leinua group caused a sensation all along the route, making stops and dancing steps to the rhythm of the hooves. Their flamboyant costumes and the flag games of the creation “Oihal erritoak” impressed.
A renewed team
“We are very satisfied with the smooth running of these three days,” summarizes Emma Darmendrail, the co-president of the festival committee. She reveals that the team has nevertheless experienced a strong renewal with the arrival of 12 new members, but that this has not prevented having quality dancers and singers to ensure the success of this edition.
“All generations have found what they are looking for because Hiriburu manages to keep this enviable Basque village spirit,” adds the co-president. One of the highlights of the weekend will remain the atmosphere of the mechoui led by the Botakantu group.
