The Seamen of Hendaye
The seamen of Hendaye are known and renowned for their talents.
They take up the job of sailors, harpooners, captains, and even shipbuilders.
Some even became pirates, like Jean de Suhigaraychipy, known as "Croisic" or "Coursic". In six years, the latter captured no less than 100 enemy ships !
The famous pirate Etienne Pellot, still remembered by the locals, is also worthy of mention.
Today, seamen-fishermen are still active, even though the fish exchange, situated in Port de la Floride, closed in 1998.
In the 17th century, the city lived to the rhythm of its fishermen reputed for their skill in whaling.
In fact, a whale still can be seen on the city's coat of arms.
The Basque seamen sailed up to Norway in search of the valuable mammal.
It was during that same period that the citizens of Hendaye decided to build Saint Anne's Chapel.
After all, the success of the whaling expeditions depended on the prayers addressed to the saint!
