The Marijesiak is a group of men and women who go around the streets singing verses on the birth of Jesus Christ on the nine nights before Christmas.
This ancient tradition has been reduced to certain areas over the years, and it is now known as the Marijesiak of Gernika, although it is also conserved in some towns in Busturialdea and other areas such as Arratia and Zeberio
The aim of the Marijesiak is to recite the novena (ninth Mass) of the festivity on Christmas Eve. Its origins may lie in the many monasteries in the area and the influence they had on society, reflected in the drama performances that usually took place around these dates.
The rounds take place over 9 days but the verses sung change. The songs tell tales of holy history, starting with Adam and Eve and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and ending with the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
In Gernika, the round starts very early in the morning in the portico of the Church of Andra Mari and continues with stops at the entrances to churches until dawn.
The round only took place originally in the Historic Quarter of the town but the Marijesiak now reach other parts of it, including stops along the way to pay tribute to the victims of the bombing of Gernika.
The last round is made on Christmas Day in the morning, singing verses about the birth of Jesus Christ. Next, tradition requires that he procession should go through the town accompanied by txistularis (Basque flute players), ending up with txikiteo (wines and snacks) in the bars of the Historic Quarter.
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