Aulesti

Aulesti
Municipality
Coat of arms
Aulesti Location of Aulesti within the Basque Country
Aulesti Location of Aulesti within Spain
Coordinates:
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Basque Country
Province	Biscay
Comarca	Lea-Artibai
Government
• Mayor	Mikel Ansotegui Jayo (EH Bildu)
Area
• Total	25.31 km2 (9.77 sq mi)
Elevation	85 m (279 ft)
Population (2014)
• Total	654
• Density	26/km2 (67/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Basque: aulestiarra
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	48380
Official language(s)	Basque Spanish
Website	Official website

Aulesti is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Aulesti is located in the region of Lea-Artibai, 44 kilometres (27 mi) from Bilbao, the capital of Biscay.

Chapels

Nine small chapels are located in Aulesti and its surrounding mountains. These chapels date back to the time of the Roman Empire and were rebuilt in the 19th century.

Mountains

The mountains around Aulesti contain a characteristic black marble known as Nero Marquino Marble, which is quarried and shipped worldwide for use as a construction material.

Traditional events

Aulesti is known for several traditional gatherings. One strength-related competition involves farm animals transporting heavy loads of stones. It hosts strength competitions for humans as well. The origin of these traditional events can be traced to the daily work of the Basque farmers.

On September 16 of every year, the town council organizes villagers from Aulesti and other nearby villages to go to the Santa Eufemi Chapel in Urregarai.

External links

• AULESTI in the Bernardo Estornés Lasa - Auñamendi Encyclopedia (Euskomedia Fundazioa) (Spanish)