Durangaldea is a region full of activity year-round, offering plenty to do, see and taste. So if you’re planning a visit in autumn or winter, don’t worry—you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy yourself. Here’s a look at some activities you can enjoy during the autumn and winter seasons.
AUTUMN ACTIVITIES
SEPTEMBER
Ferixa Nagusikoak
Where: Elorrio
When: first Sunday of September
These festivities take place around the Livestock and Agricultural Fair, held on the first Sunday of September, and offer a wide range of activities.
Basque Country Sheepdog Championship
Where: Atxondo
When: September
A fantastic opportunity to watch the champion and runner-up dogs and shepherds from each province compete.
Sorginen Lasterketa, 17th edition
Where: Atxondo
When: Saturday, 14th September.
The race starts and finishes in the square of Axpe, Atxondo, covering 21 kilometres with a challenging elevation gain of 1,700 metres.
Dantzari dantza eta aurresku erregelak
Where: Iurreta
When: Saturday, 29th September.
A great opportunity to watch the dancers in action.
OCTOBER
Anboto Vertical Kilometre
Where: Atxondo
When: Saturday, 5th October
A landmark event in mountain running. The race covers a steep 1,092-metre ascent over 3.8 kilometres, from the church of Arrazola to the summit of Mount Anboto.
Errebonbilloak
Where: Elorrio
When: first Sunday of October
It is a festival in the form of an Alarde (military-style parade) held on the first Sunday of October. A single company of 15 people participates, marching through the town to the sound of the txistu (a traditional Basque flute), always following the same route.
Artzain eguna
Where: Atxondo
When: October
Quincena Musical (Musical Fortnight)
Where: Durango
When: from October to December
NOVEMBER
Jango Dot pintxo Competition
Where: Abadiño
When: 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th November
WINTER ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER
December Fair
Where: Izurtza
When: 6th December
Durangoko Azoka
Where: Durango
When: first week of December
Durangoko Azoka, the Basque Book and Record Fair, is the most important cultural event in Euskal Herria
Euskal Denda
Where: Durango
When: first week of December
A craft fair held at the same time as Durangoko Azoka.
Buzkantz Jaia
Where: Elorrio
When: early December
A food festival centred around black pudding.
JANUARY
San Antonio Abad
Where: Urkiola National Park, Abadiño
When: 17th January
A significant day of celebration at the Sanctuary of Urkiola.
Presentation of Bizkaia Cider
Where: Amorebieta-Etxano
When: second-to-last weekend in January
The start of the season, with the presentation of the new cider at Uxarte sagardotegia.
Cross International
Where: Amorebieta-Etxano
When: second-to-last weekend in January
FEBRUARY
San Blas Fair
Where: Abadiño
When: 3rd February
The most well-known winter agricultural and livestock fair in Euskal Herria.
Carnivals
Where: all municipalities in the region
When: late February
Towards the end of winter, carnival festivities take over all of Euskal Herria, and Durangaldea offers a packed programme in each of its towns.
