The Traditional Kitchen in Luzaide/Valcarlos

As in most traditional homes, the most important room in the house is the kitchen.

There is a low stove here, used to prepare and cook the food that is going to be eaten. It is also a place for artisan work (carding, spinning and weaving of wool and corn husking work, etc.), and a place for gathering and socialising with your family, friends and neighbours. This space is also a place of prayer and certain rituals were performed here.

Unlike the type of kitchen that was prevalent up until the mid-20th century, there are no kitchens with a central hearth, like some found in the valleys of Zaraitzu/Salazar, Erronkari/Roncal, Anso and Echo. Here in Luzaide/Valcarlos, the kitchen is of the type found in the Pyrenean areas of Garazi/Cize, Donibane Garazi/Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Auritz/Burguete, Aezkoa Valley, Erro and Artzi/Arce, among others.

  • THE HEART OF THE KITCHEN

    The stove is the heart of the kitchen. A thick iron plate protects the floor. On top of this are the andirons, which support the firewood. Attached to the…

  • OBJECTS WITH LIFE

    The objects in this exhibition have been given to us by residents of Luzaide/Valcarlos. For many years, these objects were used in the village’s houses, and they were now…

  • “GASNA”, CHEESE

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  • “PEKOTXETAKO ARTO XURIA”. CORN

    The task of shucking corn was very important, as white corn varieties grown on all the farmsteads were traditionally used to make corn ‘talos’ and bread. That is why…