Herri Urrats

Herri Urrats is an annual festival in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France, held on the second Sunday of May. It supports Basque language schools (ikastolak) in the Northern Basque Country and celebrates Basque culture with a lakeside walk, food, and entertainment.

• Held annually since 1984 in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France
• Supports Basque language schools (ikastolak) in the French Basque Country
• Features a walk around the town's lake with food and entertainment
• Has attracted up to 70,000 participants in some years
• Celebrated in other cities worldwide, including Paris and Buenos Aires

What it is

Herri Urrats, meaning 'a people's step' in Basque, is a festival dedicated to supporting Basque language schools, known as ikastolak, in the French Basque Country. While Basque is taught in public schools in Spain's Basque regions, in France, families who want their children educated in Basque rely on these independent schools. The festival brings together thousands of people for a day of solidarity, culture, and community, all centered around the preservation and promotion of the Basque language.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1984 in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle (Senpere in Basque), on the shores of its artificial lake. It started as a local initiative to support Basque language education in the region, where public provision was lacking. Over the years, Herri Urrats has grown into one of the largest gatherings of its kind, raising funds that have helped build numerous ikastolas and expand access to Basque-language schooling across Lapurdi, Lower Navarre, and Zuberoa.

How it is celebrated

The heart of Herri Urrats is a walk around the lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. The lakeside route is lined with food stalls and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere that blends community activism with celebration. Participants of all ages join the walk, sometimes marching in support of specific organizations. Along the way, music, performances, and traditional Basque fare are enjoyed, making the day both a fundraiser and a vibrant showcase of Basque culture and language. The funds raised go directly to supporting the ikastolak, ensuring the continuation of Basque-language education.

Joining in

If you visit Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle on the second Sunday of May, expect a lively crowd circling the lake, with plenty of food, music, and a strong sense of community. The event is open to everyone, and you can join the walk at any point along the route. While the main celebration is in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, similar events are held in cities around the world, so you may find a Herri Urrats gathering in places like Paris or Buenos Aires.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Herri Urrats, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Herri Urrats on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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