Lands make you grow attached. Not because of the universal law of gravitation, which makes it impossible for the gravity of our planet to allow us to choose cosmic freedom. The thing is that there are places with which the residents feel such a special bond that they are identified by them. Among such little motherlands reckoned is the Basque Country. If we assume that Spain resembles the head of a bull, the Basques inhabit the exact centre of the animal’s forehead; and they experience a profound feeling of separateness from the rest of the peninsula.
For 21 years now, the GERO AXULAR KULTUR TALDEA ensemble have set themselves and enthusiastically pursued one specific goal: to preserve the traditions of their little motherland. During this time, they have become specialists in a particular dimension of this tradition: dance. This unique area of folk culture allows them not only to learn about their roots but also - as they themselves put it - “to show, develop and »dress« in the possibilities offered by the music, as well as »paint« them with lighting effects.” And there is plenty to show, dress and paint. There are around 400 different Basque dances, each with its own history and meaning.
GERO AXULAR have been recognised for their extraordinary artistry at numerous competitions and festivals throughout Europe. The FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS audience had an opportunity to enjoy their performances in 2016. As they return to Nowy Sącz, apart from the dances from the province of Gipuzkoa, they are also bringing the sounds of txistu, a flute that has become a symbol of the Basque folk revival, and txalaparta, a traditional percussion instrument. The Basque ensemble’s performance is to be complemented by games with mysterious-sounding names: soka-tira and lokotxak.
GERO AXULAR have been recognised for their extraordinary artistry at numerous competitions and festivals throughout Europe. The FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS audience had an opportunity to enjoy their performances in 2016. As they return to Nowy Sącz, apart from the dances from the province of Gipuzkoa, they are also bringing the sounds of txistu, a flute that has become a symbol of the Basque folk revival, and txalaparta, a traditional percussion instrument. The Basque ensemble’s performance is to be complemented by games with mysterious-sounding names: soka-tira and lokotxak.