Zumaia » Culture



Foronda Cultural Centre

In the cultural arena, the number of artists who have stood out in Zumaia throughout its history and who have made an impression have been several, via their works of art, their work, both in the fields of Literature, music, the arts and sculpture as well as in the defence of the Basque language and culture.

One that shines above them all is the writer, painter and lawyer, Baltasar Etxabe, author among other works of "Ancient speeches in the Cantabrian-Basque language", printed in Mexico in 1607. A native of Oikia, he founded the Mexican School of Painting and in 1606 was a judge in the Royal Academy of Mexico. Notable among his paintings are the altarpiece of the Church of Tlatelolco and “The Agony in the garden”, held today in the Mexico Academy of Fine Arts. His wife, Isabel de Ibia, was also a recognised painter. Her “San Sebastián” is currently held in the altar of Forgiveness in the Cathedral of Mexico.



Txomin Agirre

Although he was born in 1864 in Ondarroa, Txomin Agirre spent the greatest part of his life and wrote the majority of his works in Zumaia, where he was the chaplain of the School of the Carmelites. The author of various stories, legends, articles, travel chronicles, poetry and novels - "Auñamendiko lorea", "Kresala y Garoa" – he was also a member of the then rising Academy of the Basque Language. He died in 1920 while writing his unfinished novel "Ni ta ni".



"Tximu" of Beobide

Another of the artists who was well-known outside our town is Julio Beobide, a recognised sculptor who died in 1969, he was a member of the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts. Indeed, the study in which he worked and which to this day still has part of his work, Kresala, is one of the existing museums in Zumaia. The other, in Zuloaga, has well-known works by El Greco, Goya and Zurbarán, along with some creations from the particular painter Ignacio Zuloaga of Eibar, who installed his definitive study in the residence he had next to the chapel of Santiago, formerly a lodging place for pilgrims.



Beti Gazte, dance group

In addition, there have been musicians who have left imprints of their particular notes and scores in the history of Zumaia. Noteworthy among them are several composers, organists and directors who at different times have held the baton in both the Parish Choir as well as the Municipal Band: José María Beobide, Luis Urteaga, José María Olaizola, Evaristo Izeta, José Echave, José María González Bastida, Antonio Trueba, are all names that spring to mind.

However, in addition to this Musical Band and this parish Choir of recognized prestige, Zumaia also has a veteran group of Basque dances, “Beti Gazte”, through which have passed many generations of Zumaians, thanks to the effort of those who have fought to maintain and improve it throughout their lives.

However, there is also another woman who was born in Zumaia and who made an impression throughout her life for her work in the defence of the Basque language and culture. She was called Julene Azpeitia, who worked as a schoolteacher in different schools and wrote short stories, children's stories and even children's first readers in Basque, works for which she gained much recognition and numerous prizes. As a tribute to her, The Zumaia Town Hall holds a story writing competition named after her every year.



Gabon choir

In the summer, specifically between 1 - 11 of August, the festival with the greatest effect is held: The Musical Summer of Zumaia, which for 11 days offers concerts and interesting courses hand in hand with musicians of recognized international prestige.

But the summer of Zumaia does not just offer music, there is also the Crafts Fair, Euskal Jaiak, Art Days - among which the exhibition “Hurrengo tavern art" organised by the Art Workshop is notable, the Fishing Boat Regatta, the Etxabe Dynasty pelota tournament, Octopus Day, etc...



Valentín Manterola in his study

The locations for these acts are also diverse: the Foronda Cultural Centre, the Aita Mari cinema, the Ubillos School of Music, the old pavilion of the Professional School, etc. In addition, the library and the play centre will always be open for anyone who wants them.