TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY

HI FRIENDS!! Almost every region in the world has its own Christmas and holiday traditions, and the Basque country is no exception. I'm going to write this article about the Basque Christmas and the "olentzero legend" because they are our own and have been a part of our history for many years.
Christmas in the Basque Country are special mostly because the coal miner called olentzero. The story of Olentzero is one that has seen many changes over the centuries. Nowadays Olentzero has the same characteristics as Santa Claus and Father Christmas; but in my opinion this character is more special and real than the others. Olentzero resembles many older Basque farmers and he is recognisable for any Basque child.

In modern celebrations during the Christmas season in Basqueland, children dress in traditional peasant garb and parade through the streets with an Olentzero singing humorous songs written in the mythical figure’s honour. Also Olentzero gives out candy and little presents to the children. The type of festivities and the appearance of Olentzero can vary a lot from one region to another, depending on the history and geography.  For example in my town olentzero appears from the mountain but in other cities or towns, he appears from the sea, from rivers..
the sentences that the people  often repeat are "eguberri on" or "urte berri on". This literally translates the famous “Happy new year!” of the English language

HISTORY:

 One day, Olentzero was taking his gifts to the children in town, he saw a house burning. He ran to the house to save all  the people in the house, but he was trapped in the flames and he died. The fairy saved Olentzero from death, but she gave him eternal life so that he could continue making and distributing toys to all orphans in Basque Country.

that's all. I hope that you like my article; I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year!!!