Highland Dates For Performers From Spain’s Basque Region

One of the highlights of the 2009 Inverness Highland Games will be a performance by 65 members of the Nazioen Mundua (World of Nations) touring group from the Basque Region.  Following their appearance at the Bught Park on Saturday and Sunday, the group of dancers and musicians will be entertaining audiences with their colourful show at four Highland locations next week.
 
On Monday 20 July the group will perform at Urquhart Castle at 12 noon before moving to Fort Augustus for a 2pm show.  The following day, Tuesday 21 July they will be in Fort William at 6.30pm and will end their visit to the Highlands with an appearance at the Beauly Gala on Wednesday 22 July at 7pm
 
You will know when the Basques are near because the air will be filled with the sound of the Yoaldunak Marchers. The word yoalduna literally means, "he who has the bells" (yoaldunak is the plural) and each marcher had two giant metal bells attached to their sheepskin jacket. The performers marched rhythmically in two lines swaying in such a way that the bells around their waists sounded in unison and the sound could be heard some distance away.
 
ENDS