The cherry festival, Gerezi Besta, June 7 in Itxassou

From June 6, 2026 to June 7, 2026

Every first Sunday in June since 1952, the village celebrates its famous black cherry, an emblematic fruit of the region. Between folk entertainment, a farmers' market, a country meal, and demonstrations of Basque strength, thousands of visitors are expected again this year in the streets of Itxassou.

The Cherry Festival has become a symbol of Basque heritage. The black cherry of Itxassou, used notably in the famoussheep's cheese and cherry jam, is part of the local gastronomic identity.

Slow Food Presidium: Black Cherry, heirloom varieties

Our Manech sheep, guardians of our territories 31/03/26

Whether on the steep slopes of the Basque mountains or in the urban green spaces of Bayonne, sheep play a key role in the maintenance and preservation of our environment. These animals, often perceived as mere livestock, are in reality true allies for the ecological management of the land.

In the mountains, as demonstrated by the work of American and Basque researchers in the Soule region, Manech sheep help to limit scrub encroachment and preserve biodiversity. Their regular grazing prevents the proliferation of invasive species, while maintaining open landscapes and fertile soils. It is a natural, effective, and ecosystem-friendly method, rooted in a centuries-old pastoral tradition.

In cities like Bayonne, Manech sheep are back in action, maintaining hard-to-reach areas. Through eco-grazing, they effectively replace machinery and chemicals, offering an ecological and economical solution. Their presence not only helps preserve soil quality but also raises awareness among city dwellers about the importance of nature in urban environments.

Whether in the mountains or in the city, our sheep are much more than farm animals: they are the guardians of a natural and cultural heritage, and a symbol of our commitment to a sustainable and vibrant territory.

Arbolaren Besta – The Tree Festival in Biriatou 🌿
📅 Ostirala, azaroaren 29an – 10etatik 17etara

This year, Slow Food Bizi Ona will be present at Arbolaren Besta, the big tree festival in Biriatou, to celebrate the living forest, the nourishing earth and all those who make it live.
Now, Slow Food Bizi Ona izango da Arbolaren Besta-n, Biriatun, baso bizia, lur emankorra eta bizitzaren hariak ospatzeko. 🌱

Preserving forests means preserving our food, our climate and our culture. Basoak zaintzea , gure elikadura , klima eta kultura zaintzea da. Agroforestry – the harmonious union of trees and earth – embodies the Slow Food spirit : produce without destroying, nourish while respecting. 🌾🌳 Agrobasogintza – zuhaitzaren eta lurraren arteko batasuna – da Slow Food -en bihotza: eraiki, elikatu, errespetatuz .

Alongside OMA,we support projects that breathe new life into soils, hedges, nourishing forests and the transmission of knowledge.
OMA-rekin batera, lurra, hesi bizidunak, basoak eta jakintza zaharrak berriz biziarazten dituzten egitasmoak sostengatzen ditugu. 🌿

Come exchange, taste, plant ideas… and trees!
And it's a good idea and it's going to landatzera! 🌍💚

👉 Slow Food Bizi Ona x OMA – Arbolaren Besta, Biriatu, azaroaren 29an
#SlowFood #BiziOna #ArbolarenBesta #Agroforesterie #Agrobasogintza #OMA #ForêtVivante #BasoBizia #PaysBasque

The Jakitea association, dedicated to the defense and promotion of traditional Basque cuisine, is organizing the first edition of its congress. Chefs, journalists, teachers, agronomists, and local producers will gather to discuss the future of traditional Basque cuisine.

Join us on Monday, November 3rd, at the Lurberri hall in Sare, for a day of round tables and a gourmet market.

Bizi Ona was present

Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th:
Slow Bread Festival

Breads and Cereals is a day of meetings, exchanges, art and culture working towards more conscious bread. Events include roundtables, workshops, exhibitions and tastings to share Slow Food's commitment to good, clean and fair bread for all.

Throughoutthese days, amateurs, gourmets, enthusiasts and walkers are expected to celebrate this food treasure and support its biodiversity.

Breads and words invite you on a sensory and poetic journey around different textures, aromas, tastes and stories.

Slow Bread festival

At the crossroads of flavors, know-how and commitments

Here, in the heart of the Basque Country, the land nourishes far more than just our plates: it sustains a vibrant culture, landscapes shaped by the hands of farmers, recipes passed down with passion, and strong bonds between producers, cooks, and conscious consumers.
This page offers an engaging and joyful look at local news: farmers' initiatives, culinary events, campaigns for good, clean, and fair food, and a spotlight on those who cultivate and cook biodiversity every day.
Follow the thread, savor the stories, and become an active participant in this vibrant region.