Environment
Environment

Lantz Carnival

The Lantz Carnival brings life to the streets with music and color starting at midday and continuing into the evening. With no fixed schedule, characters appear organically, bringing joy to locals and visitors alike.

This carnival was revived thanks to the efforts of brothers Caro Baroja, Pío and Julio, who worked to bring back a tradition banned during the Spanish Civil War. With help from village elders and José Esteban Uranga, they organized the event in 1964 and recorded it in a ten-minute film titled "El Carnaval de Lanz".

In 1972, they further documented the traditions of Navarre in "Navarra, the Four Seasons", preserving a rich culture threatened by urbanization.

Key characters of the carnival include:

  • Miel-Otxin: The central figure, representing a captured bandit. Over three meters tall and 35 kg in weight, he’s made of wood and filled with dry grass.
  • Zaldiko: Miel-Otxin’s horse, portrayed by a villager inside a sack costume, featuring a real horse tail. He battles Ziripot to save his master.
  • Blacksmiths: Eight to twelve eerie characters dressed in burlap, wielding wooden “Xardes”, and carrying a fire cauldron to shoe Zaldiko.
  • Ziripot: The town’s strongest man, tasked with holding the bandit. Stuffed with ferns, he’s clumsy and walks with a stick for balance.
  • Txatxus: Most villagers dress as Txatxus, symbolizing those who captured Miel-Otxin. They wear colorful costumes and carry brooms, spreading fun and laughter.

The Lantz Carnival is more than a local event—it's a cultural celebration that welcomes everyone. With vibrant characters and festive energy, it's the perfect opportunity to experience Navarre’s heritage.

If you’re looking for an exciting and authentic experience, don’t miss the Lantz Carnival. Dive into tradition, history, and joy. And when the day winds down, rest at the Hotel Restaurante Venta de Ultzama, where you’ll find delicious food and comfortable accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat or somewhere to sleep, this hostal has everything you need to recharge.

Lantz Carnival