Zugarramurdi: the village where the history and myth of witches meet
In northern Navarre, the village of Zugarramurdi bears the nickname Village of the Witches. This title is no coincidence, as it stems from a deep history linked to its limestone caves, where, as recounted, nocturnal rituals were organized. These events triggered the most forceful response from the Spanish Inquisition against witchcraft, an episode that still permeates the air of the place today 🕯️.
The echo of the covens and the weight of the Inquisition
The caves of Zugarramurdi are more than a geological formation; they are the central stage of a narrative that blends legend and historical fact. Popular tales speak of covens that attracted the attention of the Holy Office. This interest culminated in the famous Auto de Fe of Logroño in 1610, a turning point. Current researchers interpret these events not only as a witch hunt, but as a complex conflict where popular beliefs, local disputes, and the repressive apparatus of the time intertwined.
Key elements of the historical process:- The Logroño trial: Dozens of people from Zugarramurdi and nearby villages faced the tribunal. Of about fifty accused, eleven received the sentence of the stake.
- The caves as a museum: Today, these natural spaces are conditioned so that visitors can understand this chapter, functioning as a stony testimony of the past.
- The persistence of the myth: Many claim that the atmosphere in the caves preserves the echo of those times, a sensation that attracts those seeking to connect with that energy.
The place that the Inquisition wanted to purge of evil now economically depends on exploiting that same fame.
From the shadow of persecution to the focus of tourism
Far from hiding its past, Zugarramurdi has known how to integrate it into its present. The legend of the witches and the historical reality merge to create a unique cultural offer. The Museum of the Witches and the so-called Cave of the Witches are the pillars of this narrative, explaining both the myth and the social context of the 17th century.
Current cultural manifestations:- Zikiro-Jatea: A summer celebration with a marked pagan and traditional atmosphere.
- Witch Day: A festive event that takes place in August, consolidating local identity.
- Tourist attraction: The main interest for many lies in that blurred line between what the documents record and what oral tradition has perpetuated.
A legacy that invites imagination
Visiting Zugarramurdi today is venturing into a landscape where the stone holds memories. The historical irony is palpable: what was once sought to be eradicated now defines the local economy through souvenirs and thematic experiences. The village does not sell just a history, but the opportunity to imagine what might have happened in the darkness of those caverns, keeping alive the conversation between the inquisitorial past and the touristic present 🍃.