Ah those traditional festivals...like fairy tales, almost other worldly, as though any reality of economy, or war, or anything else couldn't really exist. But perhaps when times are difficult is when the traditions become even more important. You captured the vibe with your amazing photos, thank you!
Thank you, very much! I think in part the festivals in the Basque Country are so involved precisely because the Fascists banned all things Basque for 40 years following the Civil War.
This is a fascinating cultural custom that I have probably seen before in my travels but never thought about! Now I will be on the look out for the giants!
This is one of the coolest things I’ve read lately. I love learning about different cultural traditions, and this was such a great read, and excellent photos! Thanks for sharing, Søren!
Wonderful story with some excellent photography! In the North of Europe, folklore isn't alive anymore like it obviously still is in the South. I had a somewhat similar experience in Fontvieille, Occitanie, where they have an annual 'bull run' with lots of festivities around it.
Thank you, Vincent! This is true, there do not seem to be quite as many festivals in the North. I do think that some of this is in part due to a cross-over between tradition observed before Christianity and the attachment of Catholic saints and church holidays to them to basically take them over, but at the same time keep them alive. There are Saint's names attached, but they are fundamentally celebrations of the seasons, the land, the folklore and the culture that has existed here for thousands of years.
I think your reply is spot-on. Christianity (as other religions will undoubtedly have done too) has always wisely embraced local customs, just to smoothen transitions and keep folks happy.
These are delightful to see. Thanks for the explanation of everything that goes on underneath. I've been wondering. Terrific photos and the fact they're in black and white adds an aura of tradition and old-timeness.
Thank you, Andrea, it is a great thing to watch, and in a small town like mine, you can get in pretty close to see what is really going on. It is a lot of fun. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
An excellent essay on a fascinating tradition Soren! 👏🏻What an amazing series of images - I'm quite taken by that fourth one of the men preparing the giant 'royalty' type figures...I think it's the main giants facial expression while the two men sort out his clothes that makes it!
We have giant papier-mache headed figures that take part in a couple of local festivals celebrating Beltane and fishing but nothing on the scale of this.
Hey Lin, thank you for reading. It is a great thing. The Franco Fascist regime suppressed the culture here, Basque language and culture was illegal from the mid-1930s to the mid-1970s, which resulted in them bringing things back with extra vigour! The locals have particular costumes for each occasion at home, I swear some have dedicated closets, there are so many. What strikes me the most is that it is everyone from elderly in wheel chairs to babies. Everyone is out, everyone plays!
From what you say it sounds like these processions and festivals bring out the sense of community that Franco tried to take away from them before - it's wonderful to see when a community comes together to celebrate, young and old alike. 😊
A really enjoyable read, Soren, and wonderful photos too. There are so many of these great traditions throughout the Old World that go back hundreds of years and it’s something that we just don’t have in North America (with the exception of the traditions of the indigenous peoples).
Hey Mark, thank you for reading! It is indeed a fun thing when you see all the events and activities that have been handed down throughout the various cultural pockets of Europe and elsewhere in the old world. We have the Burning of the Sardine…. but that is for another day! Enjoy your Sunday!
Wow, how fascinating and beautiful. Thanks for introducing me to gentle giants. I would love to be able to experience this someday!
Thank you, Mary! You should, it is so worth it!
Damn good essay!
Thank you, Rowland! I appreciate the comment.
Interesting looking chaps :)
Thank you, Shital! They are interesting for sure!
Ah those traditional festivals...like fairy tales, almost other worldly, as though any reality of economy, or war, or anything else couldn't really exist. But perhaps when times are difficult is when the traditions become even more important. You captured the vibe with your amazing photos, thank you!
Thank you, very much! I think in part the festivals in the Basque Country are so involved precisely because the Fascists banned all things Basque for 40 years following the Civil War.
This is a fascinating cultural custom that I have probably seen before in my travels but never thought about! Now I will be on the look out for the giants!
This is one of the coolest things I’ve read lately. I love learning about different cultural traditions, and this was such a great read, and excellent photos! Thanks for sharing, Søren!
Thank you, Liza! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful story with some excellent photography! In the North of Europe, folklore isn't alive anymore like it obviously still is in the South. I had a somewhat similar experience in Fontvieille, Occitanie, where they have an annual 'bull run' with lots of festivities around it.
Thank you, Vincent! This is true, there do not seem to be quite as many festivals in the North. I do think that some of this is in part due to a cross-over between tradition observed before Christianity and the attachment of Catholic saints and church holidays to them to basically take them over, but at the same time keep them alive. There are Saint's names attached, but they are fundamentally celebrations of the seasons, the land, the folklore and the culture that has existed here for thousands of years.
I think your reply is spot-on. Christianity (as other religions will undoubtedly have done too) has always wisely embraced local customs, just to smoothen transitions and keep folks happy.
These are delightful to see. Thanks for the explanation of everything that goes on underneath. I've been wondering. Terrific photos and the fact they're in black and white adds an aura of tradition and old-timeness.
Thanks for a great and entertaining post.
Thank you, Andrea, it is a great thing to watch, and in a small town like mine, you can get in pretty close to see what is really going on. It is a lot of fun. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
I saw some giants in my neighborhood this morning! Nice to read more about them now :)
Very cool! Did you get some photographs?
I did 😄
Excellent… I look forward to seeing them!
An excellent essay on a fascinating tradition Soren! 👏🏻What an amazing series of images - I'm quite taken by that fourth one of the men preparing the giant 'royalty' type figures...I think it's the main giants facial expression while the two men sort out his clothes that makes it!
We have giant papier-mache headed figures that take part in a couple of local festivals celebrating Beltane and fishing but nothing on the scale of this.
Hey Lin, thank you for reading. It is a great thing. The Franco Fascist regime suppressed the culture here, Basque language and culture was illegal from the mid-1930s to the mid-1970s, which resulted in them bringing things back with extra vigour! The locals have particular costumes for each occasion at home, I swear some have dedicated closets, there are so many. What strikes me the most is that it is everyone from elderly in wheel chairs to babies. Everyone is out, everyone plays!
From what you say it sounds like these processions and festivals bring out the sense of community that Franco tried to take away from them before - it's wonderful to see when a community comes together to celebrate, young and old alike. 😊
It is a great thing!!
A really enjoyable read, Soren, and wonderful photos too. There are so many of these great traditions throughout the Old World that go back hundreds of years and it’s something that we just don’t have in North America (with the exception of the traditions of the indigenous peoples).
Hey Mark, thank you for reading! It is indeed a fun thing when you see all the events and activities that have been handed down throughout the various cultural pockets of Europe and elsewhere in the old world. We have the Burning of the Sardine…. but that is for another day! Enjoy your Sunday!
Haha! The Burning of the Sardine sounds like fun. Can’t wait to read about it.
Excellent article with superb photos.
Thank you, Don! Appreciate the kind words.
So fascinating!
It is the enthusiasm that I find so fascinating. Everyone is in to it! All ages... And all in good humour.
Oooo, I have never heard tell of these giants. What a very cool tradition. Thanks for showing and sharing with us. Very fun!
They are very much part of the festivities that take place here. They are fun to watch!
Makes me want to get back to Spain. Thanks for story.
Thank you, Simon!
Love the photos and you are such a gifted writer! Spain is so full of traditions, and each province has its own unique culture.
Thank you, Paul! They are a lot of fun, and thank you for calling me a writer, I take that as a serious complement, particularly here on Substack.