Bertsolari Saioa
Xalbador Gogoratuz
Remembering Xalbador
2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Xalbador (Fernando Aire Etxart, 1920–1976), who was a beloved Basque bertsolari and shepherd from Urepele in the Aldudes Valley, Baxe Nafarroa (North Basque Country). Known for his profound, heartfelt improvised verses on rural life, nature, and faith, he is considered one of the most iconic figures in modern Basque literature and improvised poetry.
The San Francisco Basque Club and the North American Basque Organization will host a full Bertsolari event, featuring the U.S. based Bertsolaris along with special guest bertsolaris from the Basque Country along with the renowned Basque folk singers - Aire Ahizpak.
The bertsolaritza performance will start at 5:00pm and is free to attend. The improvised versus will be translated into English in real time onto an adjacent screen.
A dinner show will follow at 7:30pm with a concert by Aire Ahizpak.
Save the date - complete details will be posted by summer.
Live Stream Will Be Available For This Event
Aire Ahizpak will be performing with their accordionist Sebastien Desgrans
