The Day of the Geese is normally held on September 5th, as a part of the Patronal Festival of Lekeitio, San Antolines. It is a competitive festival with a long tradition. It is known as “Antzar Eguna” or “Día de Los Gansos”, as the origin of the tradition dates back over 300 years.
The harbor is the setting for the celebration. As every year, thousands of Lekeitio inhabitants will dress in the typical blue shirt of nankeen and the gingham neckerchief in order to welcome the festivity.
Groups of youths are the protagonists throughout the day. Many of them will get on board ships and one will grab the
neck of a goose -dead or made of rubber- that has previously been hung from a rope upside down and then, jump into the water.
A group of people will be responsible for pulling the ropes and let them go so that the participant will jump into the air and subsequently into the water.
The game consists of beheading a dead goose hanging from a rope in the middle of the harbor – with nothing but their body weight and the strength in their arms.
Coming alongside the hanging goose, the participant grabs the neck of the animal and jumps into the water. Mean
while, a group of “sailors” pulls on the end of the rope, sending both goose and player into the air. The sailors then release the rope, sending both plunging back into the water.
On this occasion, a goose is covered with grease and is tied very high above a body of water. Gentlemen then try to get a hold of the goose as they jump from their boat.
The object
ive is to rip off the goose’s head, as they grab it. An act that should sort of disqualifying them from being called “Gentlemen”, I’d say.
This competition is a test of their strength, endurance, and agility, which would make them eligible to wed the woman they adore. However, the custom is no longer practiced using a live goose, because of animal rights concerns.
Additionally,
The Day of the Geese is merely practiced in Lekeitio, as part of the feast in San Antolin.
Thousands come from all over to witness this one of a kind tradition – the locals dressed as Arrantzales or Basque sailors all wear maritime blue, they take to the port in fishing boats, wherein the middle of the harbor is a goose hanging on
a cord waiting for them.
This is one of the most celebrated events in the Basque Country and the day ends with lots of music shows and street performances.
