The event will bring together a multitude of artists from all walks of life for its 25th edition, which will take place from July 22 to 25, in the heart of the village of Itxassou.
For Beñat Achiary and his son, Julen Achiary, both artistic directors of the Errobiko festibala festival, it is obvious: the 25th edition of this cultural event could not be canceled, as was the case last year, due to the Covid-19 epidemic. “Despite the new health measures (1), which in our view represent one more obstacle to bringing culture to life, we believe that the essential has been safeguarded: the relationship with the public. We are convinced that this is the most important ”, insists Beñat Achiary.
“There is an enormous energy which emerges from their work, a very volcanic side”
The village of Itxassou will therefore welcome a new edition of this festival, from July 22 to 25. Crossroads of cultures, languages and creations for a quarter of a century, Errobiko Festibala has invited a multitude of artists from all backgrounds. What do they have in common? “Everyone is trying to change their traditions through artistic creation,” says Julen Achiary. It is in this spirit that the organizing association, Ezkandrai, notably invited the young group San Salvador (Thursday, July 22). The power of his voices will probably not leave spectators indifferent.
Coming from Corrèze, these six singers give rhythm to their Occitan polyphonies with percussions and clapping of hands. “There is a huge energy that emanates from their work, a very volcanic side,” describes Julen Achiary. Among the other guests, we also find the great Souletine singer, Maddi Oihenart (Friday July 23). She will be accompanied on stage, on guitar, cello and ttunttun, by a young musician from Chéraute, Jérémie Garat. The Old School Funky Family and its sparkling and swaying tunes (July 23) are also part of the show (full program to find on the site www.errobikofestibala.net).
The festival has also reserved a large part of its programming for dance. Three well-known companies – Bilaka, Kukai dantza and the Malandain Ballet Biarritz – will present their latest creations. “It’s a privilege to count these groups among our guests. They relate to their roots, but also to movement and change that fascinates us, ”explains Julen Achiary.
Master of poetic improvisation, Beñat Achiary, for his part, will offer a work entitled “Drums of memory in the time of cherries” (Friday 23 July). The latter has, for this, rehearsed in residence with several artists such as the author Itxaro Borda or the guitarist Joseba Irazoki. As artistic director, Beñat Achiary welcomes the programming of these new “artistic encounters”. “We will do everything so that this beautiful program can be experienced intensely by the public. In any case, artists and volunteers have all worked in this direction, ”he notes.
(1) Festival-goers must present a health pass at the entrance to the site: proof of complete vaccination, negative PCR or antigen test, or positive test attesting to the recovery of the person concerned.
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