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HISTORY, ART AND CULTURE
Gastronomic societies: the shared
soul of the table
Pamplona, like all of Navarre, has made the dining table
a true space of encounter. The gastronomic societies,
so deeply rooted in the north, are heirs to the same spirit
of community that inspired the Privilegio de la Unión.
They were born as clubs of friends who gathered to
cook, talk and keep culinary tradition alive, but also to
strengthen neighbourhood ties. Initially formed by men,
today women are full members in
their own right. In their wood-fired
kitchens and simple dining rooms,
fraternity is celebrated alongside
conversation and a shared appre-
ciation for things done well.
Pamplona is home to dozens of the-
se societies, some with more than a
century of history. Here, the dishes
that define Navarrese cuisine are
prepared: chistorra, ajoarriero, piquillo peppers, po-
chas or vegetable stew. Gastronomy is not understood
as a matter of luxury, but as an act of identity. It is no
coincidence that during the festivities of the Privilegio,
many of these societies open their doors or prepare
communal meals, strengthening the bond between ce-
lebration and the shared love of good food.
The strength of the pelo-
tari and the fire of popular
cookery are the noblest
reflection of the Navarre-
se spirit: firm, generous
and enduring
Pelotaris: strength, nobility, and
Navarrese pride
Few figures embody the identity of Navarre better
than that of the pelotari. Basque pelota, played since
ancient times in the village frontones, is more than a
sport: it is a symbol of character, discipline and ele-
gance. In Pamplona, where every neighbourhood
has its own frontón, pelotaris are familiar heroes, ad-
mired for their skill and their humility.
During the Fiestas del Privilegio,
pelota championships are never
missing, held in honour of tradition.
The sharp blows of the ball against
the frontis echo above the bustle of
the city, reminding everyone that
this game is an essential part of the
Navarrese soul. Great names of the
sport, such as Retegi, Urrutikoetxea
or Eugi, have turned this discipline
into an art that blends precision, strength and respect
for one’s opponent.
These societies are also places of cultural trans-
mission: parents and children cook together, elders
teach ancient recipes, and after-dinner conversa-
tions stretch on over red wine and traditional songs.
The union of Pamplona is also celebrated in its coo-
king pots
The pelotari represents, in a way, the same philoso-
phy as the Privilegio de la Unión: the harmony be-
tween strength and restraint, between competition
and respect. And, just like artisans or cooks, he is part
of a chain of knowledge passed down from genera-
tion to generation. If the walls of Labrit could speak,
how many stories they would tell. Today, new genera-
tions keep this legacy alive with unwavering dedica-
tion, ensuring that the sound of the pelota continues
to mark the rhythm of local life. In this sport, as in the
city itself, tradition and the future walk hand in hand.
Labrit Pavilion
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