Traditionally a Masquerade is a carnival dance suite represented by young bachelors from the towns and villages of Zuberoa (Soule). It is made up of two “counter-groups” who go from village to village representing different stories, dances and songs. In the first group, the gorriak (reds), who characterise the following: Txerreroa (the swineherd), Gathuzaina (the cat), Kantiniersa (the barmaid), Zamaltzaina (the hobby horse), Entsenaria (the standard bearer), Marexalak (the Blacksmith), Kukuieroak (the attendants), Jaun and anderea (the lord and the lady), Laboraria and laborarisa (the peasant and housewife). The second group known as the beltzak (blacks) is made up of: Buhamiak (gypsies), Khauterak (tinkers), Txorrotxak (knife-grinders), Khereztuak (horse-gelders), and Medikua (the doctor).
The masquerade is divided into two parts. In the morning, the groups visit different parts or houses in the village, overcoming “barrikadak” (barricades), usually tables laden with food and drink, that have been placed in their way. The “reds” dance the barrikada haustia while the “blacks” burst rowdily around them and usually end up on the floor. In the afternoon, both groups represent the theatrical play, dances and songs in the village or town square.

Masquerade from Zuberoa. 1999.

Country Dances from Zuberoa. 1995.

These dances originated in Central Europe but rapidly extended throughout the rest of the continent including the Basque Country. They are mixed dances, represented by both men and women and were performed as much in the village or town squares as in the castles, palaces and rooms of the most important houses in the area. They can be danced in a great variety of ways.