What is the legend of olentzero in Biarritz?

The legend One common version has Olentzero being one of the jentillak, a mythological race of Basque giants living in the Pyrenees. Legend has it that they observed a glowing cloud in the sky one day. None of them could look at this bright cloud except for a very old, nearly blind man.

Who is olentzero and where is he from?

Olentzero is a coal merchant who lives isolated in the Basque Mountains along with his wife Mari Domingi. Every 24th of December, he goes down the mountain and goes all over Basque cities and villages to deliver presents to children – but only the ones who have been good during the past year.

What is Pais Vasco known for?

Pais Vasco, or the Basque Country, has a unique identity thanks to the strong Basque culture, often seen in its passion for food, especially tapas, and wine; and amongst its rural and coastal beauty are cities such as the vibrant and energetic Bilbao and cultured San Sebastian with its Michelin star chefs.

What is Basque architecture?

A baserri (Basque pronunciation: [bas̺eri]; Spanish: caserío vasco; French: maison basque) is a traditional half-timbered or stone-built type of housebarn farmhouse found in the Basque Country in Northern Spain and Southwestern France.

Why is the Basque country so rich?

The region, at Spain’s border with continental Europe, is rich in natural resources. A cradle of the iron and steel industry, it was an obvious choice as a manufacturing base. Many of Spain’s biggest corporate names are Basque.

Are pintxos free?

Spanish tapas are free, pintxos are not. In some bars in Madrid and other Spanish cities and towns, the tradition has been kept over the years, and you might be lucky enough to get a free tapa served with your drink. Although not very expensive, pintxos are always paid for.

What is a Basque?

Basque, Spanish Vasco, or Vascongado, Basque Euskaldunak, or Euskotarak, member of a people who live in both Spain and France in areas bordering the Bay of Biscay and encompassing the western foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.

What do Basques call themselves?

Euskaldunak
Basques call themselves Euskaldunak, or “speakers of Euskara,” the Basque language. Euskara also has no known origin, and it is not related to any other Indo-European language, other than possibly Aquitanian.

What religion are the Basques?

The Basques have a strong allegiance to Roman Catholicism. They were not converted to Christianity until the 10th century, however, and, although they are now among the most observant of Spanish Catholics, animism survives in their folklore.

Which is the richest region in Spain?

Catalonia and Madrid are the largest communities in Spain in terms of GDP.