The Xilaba final takes place this Saturday at Jai-Alai in Saint Jean de Luz. On the menu : improvisation games of rhymed, rhythmic and sung verses in the Basque language. The discipline was in decline a few decades ago but the revival is here with very busy courses for the youngest. Public demonstrations and the various championships are multiplying, including Xilaba since 2008.
Last year, the events started well but the organizers had to cancel everything because of the pandemic. This year, since mid-September, the trials have followed one another with, among others, Odei Barroso who revealed some of his secrets:
This Saturday, three men and three women will compete on stage, among them, Amets and Maddalen Arzallus, two brothers and sisters who know how to make the audience go from laughter to tears. The four best bertsulari will be able to participate in Euskal Herriko Txapelketa Nagusia, the general championship of the seven provinces of the Basque Country. Kick-off next September in Getxo, near Bilbao.
– Franck Dolosor