A fair, talo (corn flatbread) and cider tasting were the best allies yesterday on a day that went off perfectly. Herri Eguna swept Oñati up in a festive tide that filled the streets with joy in equal measure: young children, teenagers and older folk alike fell for the many charms of the annual event that pays tribute to the culture and customs of the Basque farmhouse.

Traditional baserritarra (farmer) costumes dominated the scene at the popular festival, which took place yesterday under a scorching sun and in temperatures that sent thermometers soaring. And, as was only to be expected, the txotx that turned Herriko plaza into a giant open-air sagardotegi (cider house) at midday was packed once again. There were toasts, and throats were wetted with the prized Gipuzkoa cider served by the more than twenty producers who have been taking part in this popular event for 35 editions (not counting the pandemic break).