The cider season got under way this Sunday at Ola Sagardotegia, a cider house in the Meaka district of Irun, marking its 25th anniversary. The opening of the txotx (the ritual of drinking cider straight from the cask) was particularly emotional, with a tribute to the owner, Iñaki Bengoetxea, and a symbolic handover to the next generation as he gave the keys to his daughter Eider.

The event lived up to its promise of a celebration full of tradition, culture and flavour. From 12:00, those attending began to enjoy the new vintage cider with chorizo-in-cider pintxos, while a herri kirolak (traditional Basque rural sports) exhibition took place in the fronton (pelota court).

At 14:00 the txotx was officially opened with a tribute to the segalari (competitive scythe-mower) Xabier Martiarena Bengoetxea, Bengoetxea II, before a fully booked lunch. The day ended at 18:00 with a romería (open-air dance) outside, complete with traditional freshly made talos (corn flatbreads).