Discover Alsasua: Culture, Festivals and Vuelta a Sakana

The Vuelta a Sakana route begins in Altsasu/Alsasua. For a visit, the town can be understood along three lines: architectural heritage, recurring traditions and activity in the landscape.

Culture and History

The Casa Municipal of Altsasu was designed by the architect José Lizardi and inaugurated in 1760. The San Pedro Chapel stands on the boundary between Alsasua and Urdiain.

The Basaluze Tower is an optical telegraph tower on the northeastern slope of the Sierra de Urbasa, above the Irubide road junction. It was part of the Madrid–Irún optical telegraph line, which consisted of 56 towers and was built between 1844 and 1846.

The Church of the Assumption is a 16th-century Renaissance church with three naves and a polygonal apse. It houses a 17th-century Romanist altarpiece with scenes from the Passion, depictions of saints and the birth of Mary. The church also preserves a polychrome wooden figure of the dead Christ from the 15th century.

Chapels and Traditions

The Chapel of San Juan Bautista lies west of the town centre of Altsasu, on a hill above the Alzania River. It is visited on the evening of 23 June and the morning of 24 June.

During the Cencerrada of Altsasu, children walk through the town with cowbells and announce the arrival of the Three Kings. The rural carnival of Altsasu/Alsasua takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; the Momotxorros are its main figures. There is also the Piñata Carnival on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday.

On the Day of the Holy Cross, daily bell ringing begins in Altsasu on 3 May at 12 noon and continues until 14 September. The festivities in the old town include a display of traditional handicrafts and activities for children.

The patron saint’s festival for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated in Altsasu on 14 September and honours the Santo Cristo de Otadia. The festivities include a cycle race and pelota games.

The Feria de Alsasua lasts three days and includes stalls run by craftspeople and local producers. The Sunday programme of the Feria de Alsasua includes a horse competition. The image of the Virgen de Erkuden is brought to the parish church on 2 July and returns to its chapel on the first Sunday after the conclusion of a novena.

Landscape and Activity

Around Altsasu are the Campas de San Pedro, which traditionally serve the region’s residents and visitors as places for recreation and walking. In the same area, the surroundings of the Urdalur Reservoir are suitable for hiking. From Altsasu/Alsasua, the Sierra de Urbasa can be reached via Olazagutía. Walks, hikes and the starting cycle route offer different focuses for planning the day.

Other Places

Other places for regional orientation include Burguete, Igantzi, Mués, Izalzu, Legarda, Garde, Villava and Valtierra.

Cultural Programme

The municipal cultural service offers theatre, music, cinema and exhibition programmes.

For the overarching travel overview: Navarra.