Iron Day

The echo of iron amongst the mountains

Here, where the valley paths linked the inland ironworks with the Cantabrian Sea, Urdazubi/Urdax keeps alive the memory of one of the trades that shaped its history. Every summer, the sound of carts, the presence of oxen and the clanging of metal bring back to the village the atmosphere of an era when iron was part of the region’s daily life.

The celebration of Iron Day revives the ancient trade in ore that travelled from Bizkaia to the Monastery of San Salvador. Amidst stone, fire and wood, this day recalls the importance this activity held for the valley’s economy and cultural identity.

What is Iron Day?

Iron Day is a traditional festival that recreates the arrival and trade of iron ore in Urdazubi/Urdax. The celebration centres on the historic relationship between the Navarrese ironworks, the merchants and the Monastery of San Salvador, which played a prominent role in the economic management of the area.

During the day, locals and participants dressed in period costume re-enact the arrival of ox-drawn carts laden with ore. The re-enactment culminates in negotiations between merchants and monks to agree on the price of the iron, recalling how this raw material was subsequently transformed into tools and other essential items for daily life. Beyond the historical re-enactment, the festival keeps alive the memory of the valley’s traditional trades and the close relationship between industry, commerce and popular tradition.