Every year, Herri Urrats attracts large numbers of visitors to the Basque Country on the second Sunday in May. In this article, we take a look at this not-to-be-missed event, held not far from our gîte in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Festive atmosphere, family entertainment, access to the Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle lake and accommodation options on site or nearby.
Understanding the origin and purpose of the Herri Urrats festival
Having described the atmosphere in the Basque Country, let's take a look at the event that rocks the region every spring for an essential cause.
Financial support for Basque immersion schools
The benefits of this day directly finance ikastola infrastructure. These funds are used to build or renovate the school buildings needed to accommodate the pupils.
The immersive model uses Basque as the main language of instruction. This system, managed by Seaska, guarantees the transmission of the language to the region's younger generations.
Enrolling in this schooling programme is a militant commitment. For local families, this choice ensures the continuity of their linguistic heritage on a daily basis.
A voluntary organisation dedicated to local heritage
Thousands of volunteers get involved to prepare the lake site several months in advance. This massive mobilisation is a a human adventure essential to the success of the project.
The event strengthens the sense of belonging and local pride. All the provinces gather around the lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle to support this living culture.
Le work of logistics teams covers a wide range of tasks:
- Setting up stages and scenic areas.
- Complete management of catering and refreshment facilities.
- Welcoming the public and security arrangements.
3 activities to discover around Lac de Saint-Pée
The annual calendar and how to access the site
The festival takes place every year on the second Sunday in May. It's the spring rendezvous that everyone looks forward to for supporting ikastola. Make a note of it in your diaries so you don't miss a thing.
Le is precisely around the lake of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. The natural setting welcomes thousands of visitors. Access is signposted to facilitate visitors' arrival from the main roads.
The various entertainment and catering areas
The stages offer a wide range of shows all day long. There are Basque rock concerts and traditional dances. The atmosphere is electric on every stage set up.
A number of catering outlets serve local flavours and gastronomy of the Basque Country. You'll be able to taste talos and home-made drinks. These stalls directly fund the immersive schools' building projects.
Activities for groups and families
There are special areas for children to play safely. Inflatable structures and wooden games are set up on the grass. Parents can take a breather.
The tour of the lake is divided into several clearly identified coloured zones. This makes it easy to get around without getting lost in the crowds. It's a very well thought-out organisation for groups.
How do I get to the event from our gîte in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
The route and parking options
For to the lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, The journey takes around forty minutes. You'll mainly be taking the departmental road. The landscape of the Basque country is superb along the way.
Arriving early is a golden rule for this event. Car parks fill up very quickly in the morning. If you don't, you may have to turn for a long time to park in the vicinity of the site.
We recommend carpooling to limit the number of vehicles. It's more environmentally friendly and more convivial. Many pilgrims share the cost of getting to the festival.
Public transport and shuttle solutions
We strongly suggest that you use the special buses provided. Lines are chartered from the main towns in the area. This is the the most worry-free solution for all visitors.
A free shuttle system on Sundays. They link the outdoor car parks to the entrance to Lac de Saint-Pée. The flow is constant throughout the day thanks to the association.
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Stay at the Le Chemin vers l'Étoile gîte during your stay
To get the most out of the party without getting tired, there's nothing better than a well-deserved rest in an authentic setting.
Accommodation capacity in dormitories and private boxes
We offer beds in Dormitories for 8 to 10 people for your stopover. The atmosphere is friendly. These communal areas encourage walkers to talk to each other.
Our private boxes sleep 2 to 4 people. This option is ideal for couples or small families. You'll find more privacy for your overnight stay.
The gîte is ideal for a break for a few nights. Eric welcomes you with kindness. The spirit of the road is present in every room.
Practical services for pilgrims and bicycles
A open-access kitchen is at your disposal. You can easily prepare your meals on site. The dining room is a great place to spend time together.
The gîte offers several facilities at your service :
- A outdoor terrace for relaxing.
- A wash-house with wringer for linen care.
- A secure private courtyard for bicycle parking.
FAQ
What does the name Herri Urrats mean?
In Basque, Herri Urrats literally means «the people's step». This name symbolises the collective action and solidarity to support their local culture and education system.
When and where is the event taking place?
Le takes place every year on the second Sunday in May. The festivities take place around the lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, a natural area set aside to host the various events and thousands of participants.
What is the main aim of this festival?
The event is organised by the Seaska association to financing ikastola, Basque language immersion schools. The profits are used to build or renovate schools, such as collèges and lycées, in the provinces of Labourd, Basse-Navarre and Soule.
How do I get to Herri Urrats from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
By car, the journey takes around forty minutes via the departmental roads. For simplicity's sake, a direct bus service has been set up departing from the covered market in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 8.00 am, returning at 8.00 pm. Tickets for this special route cost ten euros and can be purchased from the Kuxkul shop.
What activities are on offer on site?
The site is divided into several coloured zones featuring Basque rock concerts, traditional dance performances and bertsu demonstrations (improvised poetry). For families, there are inflatables and wooden games. There are also plenty of food and drink outlets serving talos and local drinks.
Where can I stay near the festival?
Our gîte Le Chemin vers l'Étoile, located in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, offers tailored accommodation solutions. We have dormitories for 8 to 10 people for a friendly welcome, as well as private boxes for 2 to 4 people. Practical facilities include a self-service kitchen, a laundry and a secure courtyard for bicycles.
