The Basque culture opens in January 2026 as a continuation rather than a rupture: the warmth of Christmas gently carried into the first days of the New Year. A carefully curated selection of cultural experiences invites travelers to begin the year with meaning, beauty, and a sense of belonging. Here, art, history, and an elegant way of life speak quietly—but directly—to the soul.

A Curated Beginning to the Year

Few dates embody Basque identity as powerfully as January 20th in San Sebastián. On this day, the city honors Saint Sebastian, whose life and martyrdom trace back to the 3rd century. For twenty-four uninterrupted hours, the city resonates with the rhythm of the Tamborrada. More than a hundred drum companies, accompanied by musicians, flag bearers, and cantineras, fill the streets with a collective pulse that has endured for 190 years. It is not merely a festival, but a living expression of shared ideals and popular tradition.

The Basque relationship with the wider world has always been defined by exploration. When the Basque navigator Juan Sebastian Elcano reached the Strait of Magellan for the second time in 1526, he could not have known he was standing at the threshold of legacy. That expedition, which included his protégé Andres de Urdaneta, would help shape global maritime history. Urdaneta’s discovery of the return route from the Philippines to Acapulco made possible the Manila Galleon, a stable transoceanic connection linking Asia, the Americas, and Europe for more than two centuries. That spirit of navigation and enterprise remains deeply embedded in the Basque character.

Music is another essential pillar of Basque culture. January marks the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and also honors the “Basque Mozart” the Bilbao-born composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga. On January 17th, the concert Arriaga and the Echo of His Time brings his work to life alongside that of his contemporaries. There is no more fitting setting than Bilbao’s Teatro Arriaga, a space where heritage and sound meet with quiet intensity.

Architecture and industrial heritage tell another chapter of the Basque story. Born 170 years ago, Alberto de Palacio y Elissague left an enduring mark on Europe with works such as Madrid’s Atocha Station and the Crystal Palace of El Retiro. His most emblematic contribution to Basque heritage, however, is the Vizcaya Bridge—the world’s first transporter bridge, still in operation today. Crossing it is not simply a journey from one bank to another; it is an experience suspended between engineering, history, and landscape. In 2026, the bridge celebrates twenty years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those with a passion for automobiles and design, 2026 also marks the 140th anniversary of the patent of the first combustion-engine automobile. While there is no record of Karl Benz visiting the Basque Country, it is hard to imagine he would have missed the region’s exceptional early-20th-century Rolls-Royce collections—among the most complete in Europe.

History here is approached with honesty and depth. Ninety years have passed since the political events of January 1936 that preceded the Spanish Civil War. That same period saw the approval of the first Statute of Basque Autonomy and the formation of the first Basque Government—milestones that remain central to Basque identity. Remembering places such as Gernika (Guernica) is not an exercise in nostalgia, but an act of cultural awareness.

Basque culture in 2026, beyond January.

Beyond January 2026, Basque culture is rich in global and local milestones.

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States invites reflection on lesser-known historical connections, including Spain’s early presence in North America and figures such as Luis de Unzaga y Amézaga. In 1780, two future U.S. presidents—John Adams and John Quincy Adams—traveled through the Basque Country, hosted in Bilbao by Diego de Gardoqui, Spain’s first ambassador to the United States.

Nature also offers a rare spectacle: on August 12th, a total solar eclipse will be fully visible in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao, and nearly complete in San Sebastián. Several Basque natural spaces, certified as Starlight destinations, provide exceptional conditions for observing the event beneath pristine night skies.

Art and architecture continue to define the year. On June 24th, the newly renovated Bilbao Fine Arts Museum reopens, unveiling Agravitas, a project by Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte that expands the museum while restoring its historic 1945 entrance. At the same time, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao presents major exhibitions by Ruth Asawa and Jasper Johns, reinforcing the city’s role as an international cultural capital.

Summer brings sound. The Basque international jazz festivals celebrate sixty years, with events in San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Getxo-Bilbao forming a continuous musical journey throughout July. From txalaparta rhythms to contemporary jazz, the Basque Country moves effortlessly between tradition and modernity.

Industry, too, has its rhythm. The Basque industrial tradition—so essential to the realization of the Guggenheim Museum itself—can be explored through mining and industrial heritage sites. In 2026, the Basque Mining Museum marks forty years of preserving this foundational chapter of local history.

No cultural journey here is complete without gastronomy. The year marks the 50th anniversary of the New Spanish Cuisine, shaped decisively by the Basque Culinary Movement led by Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana, and the teachings of Luis Irizar. Their philosophy—rooted in product, seasonality, technique, and tradition—continues to define Basque cuisine today, not only in restaurants, but in private homes and gastronomic societies.

Jazz, industrial heritage, fine arts, ancestral culture, and gastronomy—This is just the beginning.

The rest is an invitation, quietly extended.

Curated Basque culture experiences in Bilbao and Biscay – January 2026

  • Georg Baselitz. Painting Exhibition 2014-2025, from the age of 77 to 87. A leading painter of contemporary European art. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. From Oct 8th, 2025 to March 1st.
  • “Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. Anatomy of Space” exhibition. She creates architectural spaces that blur the boundaries of real and imaginary urban landscapes. Venues: Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. From October 16th, 2025 to February 20th.
  • Christmas craft market in Bilbao. Ceramics, jewelry, toys, leather goods, wood carvings, textiles… Doña Casilda Park. From December 5th, 2025 to January 5th.
  • Earth Arts. Art committed to sustainability. The use of new, locally sourced, compostable, or recycled materials, and an innovative approach to exhibition logistics, pave the way for a circular economy in art. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. December 5th, 2025 – May 3rd.
  • Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, Richard Strauss, Rachel Willis-Sørensen, and Johannes Brahms. Euskadiko Orkestra – Basque National Orchestra. 200th anniversary of the Basque composer’s death. Euskalduna Palace. January 16th.
  • Arriaga and the Echo of His Time. A special tribute concert commemorating the bicentenary of the death of the Bilbao-born composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, after whom the theater is named. Orchestra: La Ritirata, two tenors and a baritone. Arriaga Theater. January 17th.
  • Carmina Burana & Concierto de Aranjuez. This concert unites two universal masterpieces. Rolando Saad, master of the Spanish guitar, with the Grand Symphony Orchestra, and the Odessa National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Champs-Élysées Theatre. January 20th.
  • Werther by Jules Massenet. ABAO – Bilbao Opera & Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa. Based on the epistolary novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther” (Die Leiden des jungen Werthers) by Goethe. Euskalduna Palace. January 17th, 20th, 23rd and 26th.
  • Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Ibarrondo, M. Mussorgsky / M. Ravel. Program dedicated to Russia. Euskadiko Orkestra – Basque National Orchestra. Euskalduna Palace. January 26th and 29th.
  • Joaquín Achúcarro – Master of Masters. A tribute to the Basque pianist Joaquín Achúcarro, by his student and renowned concert pianist Alessio Bax. Works by Brahms, Stravinsky, and Arriaga. Erik Nielsen conducts the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra (BOS). January 29th and 30th.
  • Hevia, the Asturian bagpiper. Gala celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Platinum Europe Award for his legendary album Tierra de Nadie. Flutes, bagpipes, traditional percussion, electric bass, drums, and keyboards from his regular band. Campos Elíseos Theatre. January 31st.

Curated Basque culture experiences in San Sebastian and Gipuzkoa – January 2026

  • Cristobal Balenciaga: Technique, Material, and Form. An exhibition offering an in-depth and educational look at the couturier’s work, influence, and legacy. Cristobal Balenciaga Museum. From March 7th to January 11th, 2026.
  • “The Subtleties of a Dialogue” First exhibition of the Balenciaga brand. A selection of dresses designed by Basque couturier Balenciaga and Georgian creative director Demna. Documents from the Balenciaga archive. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From May 23rd to January 11th, 2026.
  • Ataria (bat). Atari or ataria means door, entrance, portal, atrium, vestibule, portico in Basque. Exhibition on the history of the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum through various artistic practices, and its influence on other Basque cultural institutions. From October 8th, 2025 – January 18th.
  • Limina: Cosmopolitan Chicken Project 30. Euskadi Mugak International Architecture Biennial. Koen Vanmechelen blends art, science, nature, and society. And he reflects, like Chillida, on the “limit” as a place of creation. Chillida Leku Museum. From October 17th to February 22nd.
  • Photographic exhibition “The admirable aspects of Gipuzkoa“. A tribute to the 1000th anniversary of the word “Ipuscoa“. Photographers: María Azkarate, Peter Bialobrzeski, Dragana Jurišić and Lobo Altuna. Kutxa Fundazioa Artegunea, Tabakalera. November 21st, 2025 to March 1st.
  • Exhibition “Elcano-Urdaneta: The Discovery of the Oceans”. Commemorating the 500th anniversary of Juan Sebastian Elcano’s little-known second voyage. Basque Maritime Museum. From December 4th, 2025 to October 4th.
  • Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, Richard Strauss, Rachel Willis-Sørensen, and Johannes Brahms. Euskadiko Orkestra – Basque National Orchestra. 200th anniversary of the Basque composer’s death. Kursaal Palace. January 12th and 15th.
  • “Gure sagardo berria!” (Our new cider!). The start of cider season in the Basque Country. At the cry of “Txotx!”, you pour yourself the natural cider directly from the kupelas (barrels). Astigarraga, Hernani, Usurbil, and Urnieta. Mid-January to the end of April.
  • And I Keep Going Tour. Septeto Santiaguero – traditional Cuban music group. Chamber Hall, Kursaal Palace. January 16th.
  • Drum Festival of San Sebastian. Feast of the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian, patron saint of the city. Popular festival of drums and barrels; and a variety of cultural activities, awards, and more. January 19th and 20th.
  • Uran-zu, a multifaceted look at Basque music. Manu Gaigne (txalaparta, percussion), Iñaki Alberdi (accordion), Leire Romero and Aiert Beobide, Haatik dantza (dance). Principal Teatro. January 24th.
  • Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Ibarrondo, M. Mussorgsky / M. Ravel. Program dedicated to Russia. Euskadiko Orkestra – Basque National Orchestra. Kursaal Palace. January 26th and 29th.
  • Andy Sheppard Trio: Sheppard (tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone), Rita Marcotulli (piano), and Michel Benita (bass). Contemporary European jazz. Victoria Eugenia Theatre. January 28th.

Curated Basque culture experiences in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alava – January 2026

  • “Isaak Díez (1891-1962). Life and Work of an Álava Artist” exhibition. Painting, sculpture, illustration, film, etc.; and art in his political activism in the Basque Nationalist Party. Álava Museum of Fine Arts. From September 24th to April 12th, 2026.
  • “Nilu.” Circus, magic, and object theater. Infinit Company. “Nilu” means “water” in southern India. This is a journey of resilience, searching, and friendship that invites us to reflect on our relationship with water. Iparralde Civic Center. Beñat Etxepare Theater. January 2nd.
  • Three Kings Parade. Arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, greeting from the balcony of the City Hall, meeting of the Three Kings with children at the Villa-Suso Palace, and the traditional parade. January 5th.
  • Dantzaldia, Municipal Band of Txistularis of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Concert to dance. Izaskun Arrue Cultural Center. January 9th.
  • Exhibitions: The Queens of Álava. 25 photographs and a short film (9 minutes) by Martín Barandalla about a pair of golden eagles in Álava. Ataria – Salburua Wetlands Interpretation Center. Suggestion: visit the wetland. From January 15th to March 1st.
  • Illusion-art. A new show by international illusionist Jorge Blass, a fascinating journey into magic in its purest and most intimate form. Félix Petite Theatre (Ibaiondo Civic Centre). January 17th.
  • Gerhard Quartet. 2 violins, viola and cello. Works by Bach, Schumann, Bartok, Janacek and others. Hall A – Caja Vital Foundation Theatre. January 20th.
  • ‘The Dream of the Firmament’. The sky – as a physical, symbolic, and spiritual space – becomes the protagonist of sound. World premiere. Concert by the Municipal Band. Europa Conference Centre. January 21st.
  • Yarin. An intercultural encounter through dance. Basque dancer Jon Maya and flamenco dancer Andrés Marín, accompanied by live music from Julen Achiary, engage in a dialogue through dance. Félix Petite Theatre (Ibaiondo Civic Centre). January 30th.
  • Israel Fernández, flamenco singer. Rubén Lara, guitarist. 29th Flamenco Cycle of the 21st Century. Jesús Ibáñez de Matauco Theatre (Hegoalde Civic Centre). January 31st.

Don’t hesitate to incorporate some of these Basque culture experiences into the design of your personalized, private guided tours with Aitor Delgado Tours. A sophisticated Basque culture experience tailored to your personal or family preferences!

Basque culture, personally curated.
Aitor Delgado Tours

December 26, 2025