When & Where: Sunday and Monday of Holy Week, usually in March or April, in Luzaide/Valcarlos.

The Luzaideko Bolantz Iantzak or Bolantes de Valcarlos are a group of traditional dance from Luzaide/Valcarlos, a village in Navarre near the border with France. Their performances, deeply rooted in local folklore, are an essential part of the Easter celebrations, particularly on Easter Sunday and Monday.

The bolantes (dancers) wear striking costumes consisting of white shirts and trousers adorned with colorful ribbons, embroidered vests, and red sashes. They also wear distinctive hats with long, multicolored ribbons that flow as they move. The outfit reflects influences from both Basque and Pyrenean traditions.

The dance itself is characterized by energetic movements, including leaps and turns, performed to the rhythm of traditional Basque instruments such as the txistu and tamboril. The bolantes carry wooden batons, which they strike together in choreographed sequences, adding a rhythmic element to the performance.

Historically, this tradition is linked to pastoral and warrior rituals, symbolizing protection and the transition between winter and spring. While its precise origins are uncertain, it has been passed down through generations and remains a vital part of the region’s identity.

There is a small Exhibition center, showcasing typical Bolantes costumes and many other artifacts in the Town Hall of Valcarlos.