Offer local musical groups the possibility to play in public, give the possibility to see unusual groups and offer a free offer. Those are Jazpana Fest! the three fundamental characteristics that distinguish them. In any case, for this third edition, beyond the music, they have proposed a broad offer, starting from the cry “Come to postmodern ruralism!”. It is a humorous concept, but not innocent, according to Mikel Álvarez, responsible for communication and infrastructure of Jazpana. “In Goierri it is very popular that there are only bertsolaris and trikitilaris, but that is not real. Of course there is that, but there are also more things!” As an example of this he mentioned the level of graffiti artists in the village. “There are a lot of people out there in this 13,000 town, so many cultures are mixed together.” Therefore, Jazpana wants to be the showcase of this mix, small to large, moving from the people to the world, from ruralism to the postmodern vision, but always in Basque: “I am Beasaindarra, but that’s why I don’t have to confine myself to traditional cultures and customs.”

Reflection of that vision is the name of the festival itself. The organization has informed us of its development: “In the past, the young people of Beasain and the surrounding areas went from the hamlet to the town square to dance with the music and rhythms of the local groups. These groups were known as jazz band, but with popular language they became Jazpana.” One of the organizers proposed this word to designate the festival, and Álvarez considers it very appropriate because it reflects well the spirit of the festival, “it refers to the world, but it also has sonority in Basque”. In addition, as before, they want to go out to Jazpana Street and invite the young people of the area to dance at the rhythm of the festival groups.

Alvarez explained that an initiative of this kind was needed in the people, because it serves to bring people together and work together for involvement, among other things. “Beasain socially is a weird people, there are many people willing to organize things, but they have been very dispersed so far, and that’s why they’ve only done small things.” An example of this is the work that has been done for years in the gaztetxe or in the cineclub Goieniz. To solve it and with the intention of organizing a festival like Jazpana, the then Youth Councilor of Beasain approached the premises where the children of the town used to be and met with the interested and dedicated themselves to drawing the details of the festival. At first there were five, but gradually a citizenship was joined to them that was willing to participate in concrete tasks. “Everyone contributes what they know and helps to the extent of their possibilities or desires.” The responsibilities to facilitate the organization of the festival are well defined and distributed: Along with Mikel Álvarez, Diego Gómez and Pablo Sánchez have contacted the musical groups and organized the skate; Igor Alustiza has taken over the basketball championship; Garbiñe Irizar of the rally and photo design; Marta Faus has collaborated with the web, Ekain Mujika with bars and drinks, Jon Artola in administration and Irdaia. In addition, during the days of the festival about eighty people participate in the festival. “This year we created a network of volunteers to see that every year people were willing to help was the same.”

Alvarez has confirmed that their relationship with the City Council of Bilbao is good and satisfactory. “The City of Beasain has always been accused of giving little help in organizing alternative projects, but we really cannot complain.” Although the City Council is currently working economically, more than half of the necessary money is provided by the association itself. In fact, last year they registered as Cultural Associations and their purpose was Jazpana Fest! In addition to organizing the festival, in Beasain it is a question of supporting and organizing cultural events; the benefits are intended to pay for the festival, but last year, for example, they organized an exhibition with images of the photographic rally and set up a simple acoustic concert. They also organised a Jazpana Night in May in collaboration with the young man. “Our desire is to do more things for the future.” Jazpana is not going to be silent, therefore, and, as in other times, will continue to encourage the people of Beasain.