Argizaiolas: a very special way to have a wake for the dead
San Bartolome church in Amezketa
Argizaiolas, not to forget
San Bartolome church in Amezketa, built in the 16th century, keeps a tradition passed through generation that is still alive: the lit of “argizaiolas”. Outside it’s also worth seeing the beautiful entrance and the arcade.
What is an Argizaiola?
Amezketa is one of the last places where the “Argizaiolas” tradition is still alive, wooden boards carved with decorative shapes with the candle wrapping it, used to have a wake for the deceased ones over their tombs, located on the church floor.
A very popular tradition
The Argizaiolas tradition was very popular in churches all over the Basque Country. The use of them started in the 16th century and laster until the second half of the 20th century. Nowadays only a few of them survive, Amezketa being one of them.
Tombs in the church floor
Each family had graves, enclosed spaces inside the church where relatives would be buried. In Amezketa there are over 160, lined up on both sides on the central corridor, with a big cover made of oak or chestnut wood. Actually, they can be opened, even seeing the bone remains. The graveyards left the church interiors on the 18th century, after a law by Charles III.
A family, a chair, an argizaiola
A chair or kneeler would be placed over the tomb per family, besides the argizaiolas that were lit on religious events on Sundays and other notable dates.
Connection symbol
Argizaiola is an element that represents the symbolic connection between the farmhouse and the tomb, that aimed to bring the light and warmth of the home to the buried relatives.
Women’s work
Women were usually in charge of the litting and keeping the kneelers and argizaiolas. They were also the ones having the wake for the dead.
All Saints’ Day
If you’re looking for a day to travel back in time and live the tradition of litting the argizaiolas, that’s November 1st. All Saints’ Day is the most special one, as all the argizaiolas on the church are lit, in a very special ceremony.
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Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday
11:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Saturdays
10:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Sundays
10:00 — 14:00
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