When & Where: Last Sunday of August, in the town center of Uharte Arakil.

The Artzai Eguna (Shepherd’s Day) is an annual celebration in Uharte Arakil, Navarre, dedicated to the art and tradition of shepherding, an integral part of the Basque region’s rural identity.

The origins of Artzai Eguna date back to 1967, when it was first established to honor the role of shepherds and promote the region’s sheep-based economy. Over the years, the event has grown into a key cultural and agricultural gathering, celebrating the enduring relationship between the Basque people and their pastoral traditions.

The main attraction of the event is the sheepdog trials, where shepherds demonstrate their skills in guiding sheep through intricate courses using only verbal commands and whistles. These competitions, showcasing the incredible teamwork between shepherds and their dogs, are a highlight of the day and attract participants from across the region.

Central to Artzai Eguna is the agricultural market, where high-quality products from local farms are displayed. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, artisanal goods, and, most notably, Idiazabal cheese, a traditional Basque cheese made from the milk of Latxa sheep. Other interesting event is the Basque Sheepdog Exhibition and the Exhibition of Navarrese Craftsmanship.

Other activities include traditional shearing demonstrations, where visitors can observe the time-honored techniques used to harvest wool from the sheep. Cultural elements, such as Basque music, dance performances, and rural sports, further enrich the festival, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere in the town.

Artzai Eguna serves as both a celebration of the past and a platform for promoting the future of shepherding in the Basque Country. For attendees, it provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, appreciate the importance of sheep farming, and enjoy the agricultural and cultural richness of Uharte Arakil and its surroundings.

More information: https://artzaieguna.eus/