Saint-Martin-d'Arberoue, a small village of 300 inhabitants, located in Lower Navarre, is an ancient barony. The village boasts beautiful houses, some Basque existed in 1435 when the ennoblement of 24 of them around the old castle "Palacio", seat of the Court of Navarre, unfortunately burned and in ruins since the mid-19th century. During the invasion of Spain by Napoleon's troops, Marshal Soult spent several days at the castle of Saint-Martin. In 1867, it marks the passage of the third Napoleon and Empress Eugenie came to visit the caves Oxocelhaya.
A Saint-Martin-d'Arberoue addition to the celebrations of Saint Martin's Day God "Besta Berri" is a typical character in the Basque Country. The men are a "national guard" that combines fire, drum majors and other soldiers. The costumes, colorful, are entirely the work of village women. The troop marches and music alternating chants and drums band. This festival is mobilizing the whole village, young and old, men and women. The troop moves dancing consists of "roosters" red jacket with epaulettes, with shako plumes and pearls, carrying a Swiss halberd, the fire wearing a fur cap of 40 cm tall decorated with plumes and mirrors. They carry an ax on his shoulder, the dancers are the most noticed when entering the church, the drum major "makilari", the flagship in costumes reminiscent of the "roosters", the lancers, same suit the "roosters", wear a beret adorned with a big silver composition with a tassel on the side. Then there are the soldiers who formed the guard of honor of the Blessed Sacrament and the outfielders, were younger, admitted to twirl to end the column. Summarize such an event in a few lines is difficult, but these will give you some details may desire to attend the traditional processions of the Basque Country.
You can not leave St. Maarten without visiting the magnificent caves Oxocelhaya, classified historic monument.
