Olentzero
The charcoal burner of Basque and Navarrese folklore who comes down from the mountain on Christmas Eve loaded with gifts.
- When
- 24 December, Christmas Eve
- Where
- Basque Country and Navarre
The Olentzero is a character from Basque and Navarrese tradition: a charcoal burner who lives in the mountains and who, on Christmas Eve, comes down to the villages to announce the arrival of Christmas and hand out presents.
On that day, processions take to the streets with the Olentzero, often accompanied by Mari Domingi, amid carols in Basque and locals dressed in traditional clothing. Children write him letters, just as in other places they write to Father Christmas or to the Three Kings.