Storytelling

Maskarada of Soule

Xiberoko MaskaradaZuberoa, Basque Country · France

Winter carnival procession and open-air pastoral theatre of the Basque province of Soule, opposing the graceful Gorriak ('Reds') and unruly Beltzeria ('Blacks').

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The tradition & historical record

1 min read · 7 cited sources

Each winter in the Pyrenean valleys of Zuberoa (Soule), a single village takes responsibility for mounting the Maskarada and touring neighbouring communes every Sunday from January through April. ^[1]

The troupe splits into the disciplined Gorriak—led by Txerrero, Gatuzain, Kantiniersa, and Zamaltzain (the hobby-horse dancer who leaps onto a wine glass without spilling a drop)—and the chaotic Beltzeria. ^[2]

Transmission & Custody

Documented custodians and practitioner lineages: Youth Associations of Zuberoa (Soule).

Sources on Record

[1]Maskarada of Soule — Folkroom Primary Archive Dossier (France) · National Inventory

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Active Practitioner Census

Current guild- or locality-level count of active masters and apprentices awaits a cited survey.

Field Audio & Notation

CC-licensed performance audio or rhythmic notation is not yet linked to this record.

Vernacular Bibliography

Regional-language monographs and local academy catalogues remain open for citation.

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