Argia: Besta berri at Teatro Arriaga

“The annual celebration of the Corpus Christi festival is just before the solstice, and although we are not entirely sure, it is understood to have been introduced by Pope Urban IV in 1264, in an attempt to Christianize the pagan celebrations of 24th June around the figure of John the Baptist… The source of inspiration was the text on the Corpus Christi festival and the sword dances that took place in San Sebastian in May 1659 within the festive backdrop of the marriage between María Teresa of Austria and Luis XIV.

A further three pieces will be performed: processions of Lapurdi and Lower-Navarre; the Disciples’ “Aurresku” by Jorge Oteiza, renewing the procession and dance customs of the village of Oñati and a Turk and Christian Pastoral inspired by popular Souletin theatre”. J. A. Urbeltz