The 2025 cider house season in the Basque Country will officially begin on 15 January at the Alorrenea cider house in Astigarraga. This year the cry of “Gure sagardo berria!” (“Our new cider!”) will be accompanied by a circus show from Gure Zirkua, led by Iker Galartza (Poxpolo), a company that since 2017 has blended acrobatics, juggling, humour and live music, always in Basque.

Gure Zirkua: circus magic opens the cider house season

The Gure Zirkua cast – including Joseba Usabiaga (Don Martin), Ekain Ibarguren (juggler), contortionist Ane Miren, acrobats Ortzi Acosta and Agurtzane Telleria, trapeze artist Iraitz Lizarraga and musicians Ibon Mendibil and Unai Zabaleta – will open the first kupela (cask) of 2025 at the Alorrenea cider house. With them there, the 32nd Sagardo Berriaren Eguna (New Cider Day) will be full of juggling, laughter and a unique circus touch.

Events around the new cider

  1. Press conference at Erribera Kulturgunea: The day will begin at 12.00 with the presentation of the new cider. The mayor of Astigarraga, Xabier Urdangarin, together with representatives of the Basque Government, the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council and the Euskal Sagardoa Designation of Origin, will outline the characteristics of the 2024 harvest.

  2. Planting an apple tree: As a symbol of nature’s vitality and renewal, an apple tree will be planted in the main square of Astigarraga.

  3. Sagar dantza and soka dantza: At 13.30, to the sound of the txalaparta players, the traditional sagar dantza (apple dance) will be performed. Afterwards, the cider makers and members of cultural groups will join Gure Zirkua to taste the new cider.

  4. Opening the kupela: The most eagerly awaited moment will come when Gure Zirkua opens the kupela at the Alorrenea cider house, taking over from Iñigo Etxezarreta (En Tol Sarmiento), who did the honours last season.