The incomparable setting of the annual sheep trailing in Bardenas brought back memories for many of the members of Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan, that were reminded of their time spent in the mountains and pastures in the US taking care of sheep. The association chose this day to celebrate its annual festival that gathered more than 400 people who enjoyed the beautiful images of the sheep coming into the Bardenas desert, as well as the meal that followed. Herder, Jose Aguas, was very excited and nervous about firing the shot to start the trial for the last time.
Lesaka, Nafarroa. The Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan Association thanks the Commonwealth of Congozantes in the Bardenas for having allowed its members to participate in the trailing of the sheep that took place on September 18th. “It was an honor to be able to share the last trail to Bardenas with them. It was a very emotional and gratifying day.”
One of the best moments of the day took place when herder, Jose Aguas, from Bardenas and who was a sheepherder in the US for many years, fired the shot that began the trail, a moment that he lived “with excitement and nerves.” Afterwards, the more than 400 attendees from Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan, enjoyed some delicious migas de pastor (fried bread and ham) prepared by the Hunters’ Association, while they remembered their time in the US while watching the last flocks come in.
The moment that remained engraved in the memory for posterity was the family photo next to the sheepherder’s monument, where members of the Bankako Menditarrak singers, accompanied by Laura Igantzi, sang the association’s hymn Euskal Sheep Company.
The group then went to the Monastery of Oliva where they attended mass sung by the Bankako Menditarrak. The festival ended with a meal at the Mariso restaurant and a final emotional surprise: tributes to three herders from Malerreka who had left 50 years ago, to the day, for America.
“It was very emotion to see the surprise, because they didn’t even remember the emotional date, and they were very emotional when they received the photos that they were not expecting,” according to the association. “The herders were Mitxeo from Saldias, Santi Hualde from Zubieta, and Felix Sarratea, who lives in Sunbilla.” The three received polo shirts with an image of a herder with the two dates, that of 50 years ago, and the present, as well as two cases of wine from Inurrieta to “drown the sorrows or celebrate the good times enjoyed on that day.”
The festival continued with much entertainment and music by the Mariachis Puro Relajo, along iwht the enthusiasm of those present. “When the people got on the buses all they had to ask was ‘Where is next year’s festival?’” according to association sources. We are already working on it, and there are some surprised included as well.
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