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Going to the Basque Country is always a good idea, but if you visit us in Easter Week you there are lots of special ideas for you to enjoy.
We suggest 8 ideas for enjoying this Easter Week in Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz and throughout the Basque Country.
Processions, country sports, nature trails, the finest food and more - experience Basque culture for yourself this Easter!
01
Discover the Basque Country your own way this Easter Week. We suggest a route with countless ways for you to see our country at your own pace, in no hurry, discovering its best-kept secrets and its rich heritage.
The eight-stage road trip proposed for the Grand Tour is just a start, from which to explore a whole map of the emotions, to discover without rushing, without worrying about getting lost.
On each stage of the route, we encourage you to let yourself be guided by your senses and instincts.
02
On Thursday and Good Friday in Easter Week Balmaseda is the setting for a living Via Crucis. Every year thousands of visitors come along to see the recreation of Christ's final hours portrayed in detail by the local residents.
An entrance ticket is needed for some of the performances. Buy them here.
Balmaseda has a wide range of cultural heritage, highlights of which include La Muza Old Bridge with its tower. It is also surrounded by a stunning natural setting of mountains, forests and rivers, with plenty of routes to follow.
03
On Thursday and Good Friday processions of over 300 people have wound their way through the streets of the mediaeval town of Segura since the 17th century. The procession, in 10 stages, sets out from the church and goes along the Calle Mayor, stopping several times before returning to the church. Music is part of the whole route, with txistu pipers, a choir and a band.
Segura's old town, a listed mediaeval site, conserves its mediaeval street plan with many old houses and palaces reflecting a splendid past.
04
Laguardia throws itself into its processions on Thursday and Good Friday, but the high point is on Friday afternoon with the "Desenclave" or descent from the cross. To the beat of drums, members of local brotherhoods remove the nails from the hands and feet of the figure of Christ and place it in a transparent coffin which is carried to the church of Santa MarÃa de los Reyes.
The mediaeval town of Laguardia is full of mediaeval, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings. Wine is what has marked its history, so you can't miss tasting some at one or more of the many local wineries.
05
There are 14 processions for you to see in Bilbao over Holy Week, from Friday of Sorrows, 22nd March, to Easter Sunday, 31st March.
Highlights include the Procesión del Borriquito (literally, procession of the little donkey), held on Palm Sunday and setting out from the parish church of San Vicente, the procession the Monday before Easter that starts out from the calle Cortes at sunset or the Procesión de la Piedad (procession of sorrow), which goes around the old town.
06
Try the finest of our "gastronomy in miniature", with our delicious pintxos. Wash each pintxo down with the drink it goes best with: Txakoli or Rioja Alavesa wine, or cider. While you can eat pintxos anywhere in the Basque Country, we recommend you sample the different pintxo bars in our three provincial capitals.
07
We suggest a stroll through the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa and a visit to one of the area's many winemakers. The choice is endless, from small family wineries to big cutting-edge buildings.
You can also discover all the secrets of wine-making on a guided tour.
08
Over 200 experiences will fill the streets of Bilbao with the best of Basque culture. Concerts, country sports, street theatre, processions, gastronomy and more. This year's event is to pay homage to Basque film.
You can also shop 100%basque in the Arenal neighbourhood with a Txoko Gourmet and a craft fair.
Nature Coast Cities
When we travel to a destination, we often look for the perfect selfie to remember those special moments. We enjoy seeing and sharing photos over and over again.
Nature Coast Rioja Alavesa Mountains and valleys
Every sunset is uniquely special, perfect for enjoying with company.
Food and wine Events
Basque traditional markets have been and remain a meeting place in which to socialise.
Nature Plans Mountains and valleys
Did you know there are two equinoxes a year?
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