Two faces and a unique identity
Born of a Gascon father and a Basque mother, Anglet is proud of its origins. This blend has given rise to a singular identity, drawn from its dual roots.
To the north, its long coastline is reminiscent of the nearby beaches of the Landes. To the south, the green hills of the Pyrenean foothills begin, and the wind whistles songs in Euskara (Basque) in your ears. Anglet is sometimes Gascon, sometimes Basque, and often both. From its two faces, Anglet has become one.
Double-count letter
Anglet… Its pronunciation alone is enough to get you going. Don’t forget, when you say Anglet, you can’t omit the final ‘T’, which clatters in the mouth like a pelota on the pediment. As for its Basque translation, Angelu, it’s pronounced “anguélou”, which may come in handy when reading traffic signs or asking for directions.
Here, some will say “egun on” (hello in Basque), others will greet you with a hearty “adiou” (hello in Gascon), because, yes, it’s not just the letter that counts, it’s also the identity, both Basque and Gascon.
One territory, two regional languages
Euskara and Gascon go hand in hand here. Just stroll through the city and read the names of its neighborhoods to be convinced. Gascon sounds (Dous Bos, Quintaou, Louillot…) follow names of Basque origin (Aritxague, Hardoy, Sutar…). In all four corners of the commune, the duo of regional idioms continues to be used. The Basque language is taught in several Anglet schools. Whether in the ikastola (100% Basque education) or in the “ikas bi” school (bilingual French/Basque education), children continue their education in Basque. And adults are not to be outdone, with courses offered by associations to help them make the most of this part of the local culture.
Similarly, the Ací Gasconha association runs courses for anyone wishing to (re)learn the local variant of Occitan. For the Gascon language remains engraved in the commune’s DNA with its motto: “Ma e pignada per m’aida”. The sea and the forest to help me… what a program!
Basque traditions live on
Deeply rooted in Basque culture, carnival (ihauteria) celebrates the end of winter. This ritual, organized at the Chambre d’Amour by the Angeluarrak and Kimua Ikastola associations, is a joyous live show open to all. To the sound of the joaldunak, the procession moves along, with traditional Basque carnival characters surrounded by numerous Anglo-Saxon children. Color, music and dance lead up to the fateful moment: the judgment and condemnation of Zan Pantzar.
During the summer, it’s Basque strength’s turn to show its muscles. Straw-pulling, milk-can races, cart-wheeling, lumberjack competitions… these are the Olympic games of the Basque countryside. Their origins can be traced back to daily chores. For centuries, young Basques have challenged each other from farm to farm. Even today, a handful of die-hard youngsters keep these disciplines alive, and they can be seen at several summer shows in Anglet.
During the festive season, it’s Olentzero’s turn to light up the eyes of the little ones. This traditional character, a charcoal-burner by trade, descends from the mountains to light up and warm homes for the Winter Solstice. Flanked by ewes, horses and costumed pupils from Anglet schools, the black-faced man marches to the sound of gaitero, txistulari and trikilari (traditional instruments).
Gascon culture in the spotlight
Very much alive in the Landes and throughout Gascony, the Maiada festival is also celebrated in our town. Traditionally, the mai (young pine trunk) is planted on the eve of May 1st. But in Anglet, we’re not satisfied with just one date. The festivities extend over ten days, with two concerts, an exhibition, a conference, a children’s show and a stilt-walker troupe. The free concerts feature contemporary artists reinterpreting Gascon culture in their own way.
Throughout the year, the Uei en Gasconha (now en Gascogne) space offers up-to-date programming to help you better understand this culture.
Proud of its origins, Anglet fully embraces its dual culture. Neither Basque nor Gascon, she is both.
You can’t choose between your mother and your father!
Find out more…
Anglet Emotions magazine
The best way to discover Anglet is by bike – and that’s Anglo! Stéphanie, Thomas, Gypse and Tinko take you on board their cargo bikes to discover this new issue!