Myth of the Basque Witches

Myth of the Basque Witches

The myth speaks of 12 witches and a warlock that were burned at the stake. There is a full celebration of the original witch-hunt that took place on August 15th, 1610.

"The Witches of Zugarramurdi" has been a well-known myth in all of Northern Spain and Southern France.

It is celebrated every year since the 1600's on the 15th of August. There is a feast and a full celebration of the original witch-hunt that took place on August 15th, 1610.

The myth speaks of 12 witches and a warlock that were burned at the stake.

It was believed there was a cave that was home to these witches, and they would dance and cast spells upon the people of Zugarramurdi.

It is commonly told as children's story throughout the region, as famous there as the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" is to us.

The modern celebration is called "The Feast of the Caves", in which (in tribute to the stake burning), a Lamb (Zikiro) is quartered, and is set near an open-pit fire, being occasionally turned (as a rotisserie).

It traditionally is placed in front, so as not to drip its fat into the flame, and cause smoke to alter the flavour.

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