Bertsolari Saioa

Xalbador Gogoratuz

Remembering Xalbador

2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Xalbador (Fernando Aire Etxart, 1920–1976), who was a beloved Basque bertsolari and shepherd from Urepele in the Aldudes Valley, Baxe Nafarroa (North Basque Country). Known for his profound, heartfelt improvised verses on rural life, nature, and faith, he is considered one of the most iconic figures in modern Basque literature and improvised poetry.

The San Francisco Basque Club and the North American Basque Organization will host a full Bertsolari event, featuring renowned bertsolaris Andoni Egaña & Sebastian Lizaso along with the U.S. based Bertsolaris and with the Basque folk singers - Aire Ahizpak.

The bertsolaritza performance will start at 5:00pm and is free to attend. The improvised verses will be translated into English in real time onto an adjacent screen.

A dinner show will follow at 7:30pm with a concert by Aire Ahizpak ($70).

U.S. Based Bertsolaris:

Todor Azurtza - Gipuzkoa / Idaho

Martin Goicoechea - Wyoming

Oier Pastor - California

Nerea Eceiza Arregui - New York

Mikaela Goicoechea - Subject Giver

Xabi Paya - Live English Translations

Live Stream Will Be Available For This Event

Aire Ahizpak will be performing with their accordionist Sebastien Desgrans