Markina-Xemein Carnival
3 February 2008
Vizcaya - Bizkaia, País Vasco
Markina-Xemein's
Childrens activities, goumet tasting,
beer and wine tasting. Singing, dancing and fireworks. Parades and fancy
dress. All the usual fare.
The locals call their dance the Wineskin Dance (zagi-dantza)
A large fluffy bear and his handler,
chase people around the square.
In the afternoon locals ride their
horses and gallop underneath a hanging (dead) goose, with the intention
of grabbing its neck to pull its head off.
Well at least this one's dead, in other
places they use live one's
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This town in the Vizcaya region is on the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de
Compostela, which runs along the Basque coast towards the holy city.
That fact that it formed part of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de
Compostela gave Markina-Xemein a medieval layout which is still present
today. Founded in 1355 by Don Tello, illegitimate brother of Pedro I
“the Cruel”, it boasts a walled town centre. Parallel streets joined by
alleys constitutes the urban design of this city, where you will find
beautiful examples of architecture. The Basque-Gothic style of the 16th
century can be admired in the three naves and powerful columns of the
church of Santa María. Towers like those of Barroeta or Mugartegui allow
the visitor to see Renaissance and baroque palaces, a testimony to its
magnificent past. Particulary striking is the hermitage of San Miguel de
Arretxinaga, with a hexagonal plan and a megalith on its altar. The
cemetery of Markina-Xemein is another must, since it is an excellent
example of enlightened thought. Its Neoclassic design combines both
Greek and Egyptian elements.
During Carnival is a good time to visit this town and learn more about
its culture and customs. One of them is its excellent cuisine, made with
ingredients picked fresh from the sea. Tuna and potato stew, baby squid
in their own ink or kokotxas in green sauce are just some of the more
famous recipes of the region.
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