Mahai-gainekoa
This originated in Bizkaia, with variations in Markin-Xemein and Mendexa. It is a test of ability as well as a social ritual as dancers go through their steps atop a table in front of the mayor.
Markina
In Markina Mahai-gainekoa marks the end of the yearly festivities of San Miguel on September 29 at midnight.
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Lyrics
Horra hor goiko arestitxu baten
kukuak umeak egin dozak aurten
Kukuak egin amilotxak jan
haxe bere kukuaren zoritxarra zan.
Amilotx horri kukuak dirautso
ez dauat itxiko gaur hazur bat oso
ume jaleak erantzunentzat
dino hire ardurarik etxaukat.
Aupa mutilak gogor dantza egin
mahai honen gainean izterrari eragin
bihotz alai beti geuria
zirkin eta zirkin arduratzen ez bada.
Kukua dabil zuhaitz artetik
amilotxa minaz-minaz beterik
amilotxak dio zuhaitz zulotik
ez haiz hi sartuko nire lepotik.
Ezin neikela hire lepotik
txital gaiztu horrek ondo dakik hik
baina irteten badet zulo honetatik
ez haiz aldenduko heriotzatik.
Oh! txori biok zomorrekua
ondo zamindu dok neurebarrua
baina eginda daukat juramentua
hiri emateko bien pagua.
Mendexa
In Mendexa Mahai-gainekoa is done on the first day of August. This tradition has been maintained since the beginning of the twentieth century. Traditionally it was only performed by adult men, but since the 1990s it has been open to women and children as well.
