FEAST OF PENTECOST
The traditional festival of Pentecost is celebrated 49 days after Easter Monday. The festival starts with the lowering of the Bitorianatxo (life-size doll in traditional dress) and ends with its raising. A dancing competition, a cycle race, a painting competition and concerts performed by the Municipal Band are but a few of the most important activities.
CARNIVAL
Carnival starts on the Friday, known as “Viernes Flaco”, with a parade of children dressed in costume, and on the Saturday and Tuesday it is the turn of adult groups to dress up. The festival ends on the Tuesday with the traditional burial of the sardine.
POPULAR PILGRIMAGE OF SAN MARCIAL
This pilgrimage takes place on the Sunday following San Marcial day.
The aurresku, a typical local dance, is performed at midday. Following tradition, dance troupes and families from Bergara walk to the shrine where they spend the day.
FESTIVAL OF SAN MARTIN DE AGUIRRE
The feast in honour of the Bergara-born San Martin de Aguirre is celebrated on 16 September. On the Saturday prior to the saint’s day, one of the main activities takes place, an open competition of local fruit, vegetable, cheese and flowers. In addition, the tamborrada – a drumming parade – in which both children and adults participate, and the fireworks are an important ingredient of the festival.