A family reunion would not be complete without the sound of traditional songs... in Euskara (the Basque language) of course, even if the meaning escapes non-Basque-speaking guests.
Around fifty secular choirs keep alive this long tradition in the Northern Basque Country. A great way of hearing our wonderful choirs is by attending mass in Saint-Jean-Baptiste church; alternatively marvel at the canticles sung in Basque, in which several female voices can be heard in the central nave and male voices ring out in the upper galeries that are so typical of the region’s churches.
Basque music has a very sustained rythym in which percussion instruments such as the txalaparta (made of two wooden boards placed on top of two baskets which is then struck with sticks) play an integral part.
The two oldest instruments are the txistu (a three-holed flute) and the stringed tambourine known as the soinua. In addition, traditional Basque bands (bandas), with their big drums and heavy drum beats, add excitement and passion to festivals, bullfights and rugby matches! In pelota matches even the score is sung or chanted by the announcer.
