Blusas are individuals in the autonomous Basque region in Spain who dress in the traditional clothes of the region and attend events in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country) such as the Virgen Blanca Festivities. The blusas assemble in groups called cuadrillas, and their main role is to provide entertainment at these events.
Etymologically, blusas comes from the Basque language and refers to the typical long shirts worn at the festivities. [1] However, this word was a loanword from the Spanish blusa which describes the clothes worn in the countryside by farmers. It was also a loanword from the French blouse, which itself had a German origin.
The festivities in Vitoria-Gasteiz have a rural origin. It was originally held for attendance at los toros. [1] Throughout history they have been developed in accordance with the population. Even though the beginning of the blusas tradition is pretty unknown, it is believed that it may have a direct relationship with the myth of Celedón. There are several versions of this story as the tale was passed down orally. However, two versions are noted by Basque traditions as the most reliable ones:
This emblematic character of the Basque is seen as the origin of the festivities of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is a mystery when the blusas and neskas officially began the tradition of dressing up, but it is believed by Basque citizens that at the very beginning, there used to be only men. However, those ancient characteristics have gradually changed up to the point that nowadays almost every cuadrilla is mixed. It is thought that blusas have celebrated this tradition from its very beginning to modern celebrations inconsistently, but after the civil war and the time of dictation this tradition disappeared for some years.
The "cuadrillas" are usually thought to be just a grouping of inhabitants in the festivities, but they are far more than that. In fact, they give social aid by going to elderly's residences or organizing special events for children during the year. Their brotherhood goes much further into other festivities such as "San Prudencio". The cuadrillas have the notion that to them there are no real rules. Nevertheless, they do have some unwritten ones, which are given from the old to the new. Besides, everybody has the opportunity to join these groups in exchange for some money.
Blusas are the main cheerleaders of festivals and thus their routine is connected to it. During the corrida, they gather and parade near the bullring without entering. [1] Their activities could be divided into two parts:
The blusas wear the typical rural attire the Araba natives once wore. The outfit consists of a shirt, a "blusa" (blouse), a pair of trousers and the "albarcas" whereas "neskas" wear a blouse, long skirt and "albarcas".
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