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 renowned bertsolaris Andoni Egaña & Sebastian Lizaso along with the U.S. based Bertsolaris and with the Basque folk singers - Aire Ahizpak.
The improvised versus will be translated into English in real time on an adjacent screen.
Aire Ahizpak - left to right: Amaia Aire, Miren Aire, Paxkalin Aire. Accordionist Sebastien Desgrans.
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 ($70).
U.S. Based Bertsolaris:
Live Stream Will Be Available For This Event
Aire Ahizpak will be performing with their accordionist Sebastien Desgrans
