Every year, on the Sunday closest to February 2, Donostia-San Sebastián revives one of its most endearing traditions: Inudeak eta Artzaiak (nurses and shepherds). This festival, which combines history, music and dance, has become an unmissable event in the city’s festive calendar.
Origin and History
The first Inudeak eta Artzaiak troupe paraded on February 2, 1885, coinciding with the celebration of Candlemas Day. At that time, it was common for shepherds to come down from the mountains to the city and, during their stay, to establish relationships with wet nurses, young women who worked in the homes of high society taking care of the children. This meeting between two contrasting worlds was seen as a manifestation of everyday life and soon became a popular celebration.
Over the years, the parade acquired a more formal structure, incorporating music and dance to represent this relationship between shepherds and nurses in a more theatrical way. Citizen participation was growing, with more and more people dressing up and taking an active part in the festivity, consolidating it as an essential event in the festive calendar of Donostia-San Sebastián.
However, in 1912, the holiday disappeared when Pope Pius X declared Candlemas Day a workday, which was a serious blow to the continuity of the celebration. Over time, the memory of the event was lost, although there were still records and oral testimonies that kept the history of the troupe alive. It was in 1977 when the Sociedad Kresala decided to recover the troupe on the occasion of its tenth anniversary, after exhaustive documentation work that allowed the essential elements of the original parade to be rescued.
Since then, the comparsa has not stopped growing, attracting more participants and spectators each year, and reinforcing its role as one of the most beloved traditions of Donostia-San Sebastián. Its recovery has not only meant the revitalization of a historical festival, but has also served to reinforce the cultural identity of the city, becoming a symbol of the connection between its past and its present.
Cultural Meaning and Representation
Beyond its festive nature, Inudeak eta Artzaiak It represents an important part of Basque folklore. The festival not only recreates the courtship between nurses and shepherds, but also incorporates historical figures that evoke the society of the time: the mayor and his wife, the doctor, the secretary, the bishop, the priest, altar boys, miqueletes, the barquillero , the shoeshine boy and the baker, among others. Each character has a symbolic role within the celebration, reflecting different aspects of urban and rural life of the past.
This event is a way to preserve and transmit local culture to new generations, reinforcing the city’s identity and offering a playful vision of history. Furthermore, the parade is not only a visual recreation, but is also accompanied by traditional music, with txistularis and drummers marking the rhythm of the march.
Currently, the troupe has about 30 inudeak eta artzaiak couples, more than 60 drummers and a large number of extras who fill the streets of San Sebastian with life. The clothing of the participants is another key element, with period costumes carefully made to maintain the authenticity of the festivity. Every detail, from hairstyles to accessories, seeks to transport viewers to a bygone era, providing a unique and enriching cultural experience.
The Celebration Today
The tour of the troupe Inudeak eta Artzaiak It begins in the Old Town and crosses the main streets of Donostia-San Sebastián. The Constitution Square It is one of the key points of the festival, where the main scenes and dance exhibitions take place.
Music is another fundamental element in this event. The repertoire, composed by maestro Raimundo Sarriegi, includes iconic pieces such as:
- «Comparsa of nurses»
- «Introduction and scene of the wet nurses»
- “Contradance”
- “Scene of the doctor with the nurse”
- “eight”
- “Fandango – Andre Madalen”
- “Arin arina – Figs from the Orchard”
- “Parties if necessary”
Each of these melodies accompanies the evolution of the parade and the theatrical performances in different parts of the city.
Neighborhood Participation
Although the main parade takes place in the center of Donostia-San Sebastián, many neighborhoods of the city have adopted this tradition and organize their own parades on nearby dates. Places like Gros, Amara and the Antiguo celebrate their version of Inudeak eta Artzaiak, contributing to this festival continuing to grow and maintaining its relevance in San Sebastian culture.
Each of these neighborhoods brings its own distinctive touch to the event, with small variations in costumes, choreography and musical repertoires. In some cases, neighborhood associations organize parallel activities, such as costume contests, traditional dance workshops, and exhibitions on the history of the parade.
Involving the little ones is essential, since many local schools encourage the participation of boys and girls in the troupe, instilling in them respect and love for traditions. Thanks to this community involvement, Inudeak eta Artzaiak has transcended beyond the city center, reinforcing its role as an event for all of Donostia-San Sebastián.
A Festival that Lasts in Time
Currently, Inudeak eta Artzaiak It is more than a simple parade; It is a symbol of the history and identity of Donostia-San Sebastián. Through music, dance and the colorful costumes of the participants, the city remembers its traditions and adapts them to modern times, ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy this very special festival.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the cultural essence of San Sebastian, witness the parade of Inudeak eta Artzaiak It is a unique experience that transports you to the past and celebrates the richness of Basque folklore in the 21st century.
