Joaldunak
CAPTION
Basque men rest while performing the Joaldunak folk dance during the first Feria de Folklore de Portugalete, near Bilbao, Pais Vasco / Basque Country, 8 May 2006
DESCRIPTION
The “Joaldunak” (Euskara language) is a Basque folk custom of pagan origin, the original purpose of which was to awaken spring. A troop of men dressed as pagan characters march around a town or district in two columns with a heavy gait, following their leader. The men wear cone shaped pointed hats decorated with ribbons and topped with feathers, bright neck scarves, thick sheepskin waistcoats, carry horsehair whips in their hands and on their feet wear white woollen socks and black lace up moccasins typical of Basque traditional dress. Two large cowbells (“dunba” – cowbell in Euskara) on their backs protrude from a leather or rope belt, the ringing of the bells as they march announces their passage. A skirt or kilt of thin material is also worn, this does not detract from the solemn nature of the men.
Mark Baynes
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