Do you know Olentzero?...

Originally, Olentzero is a coalman who comes down from the Basque mountains to announce the return of the sun and light. He represents the winter solstice.

He has a slightly terrifying appearance with his face blackened by charcoal dust. He carries on his back a big bag filled with charcoal which symbolizes a latent life and the sun which will start to heat the earth again.

The beret and the worn and dirty clothes remind us that Olentzero lives and works in the forest, the domain of wild animals. The sickle is used to cut the bundles. Like the sickle of the god Saturn, it is also the symbol of the mysterious cut of the solstice which divides the year into two periods.

The "Basque Father Christmas"

This character from Basque mythology has gradually evolved and is now considered by some to be the Basque Father Christmas. He no longer scares children. It is said that he now comes down from the mountains on the night of 24 December, distributes coal to families to keep them warm and takes advantage of the opportunity to eat in the kitchens.

His arrival is celebrated in all the villages of the Basque Country with a parade where he is accompanied by his donkey.