Arancha

This name derives from the Basque expression “zu arantzan?”, meaning “In the thorns, you?”, which in turn derives from the “arantza,” meaning “thorny bush.” The expression “Zu arantzan?” is an exclamation of a shepherd who found an image of the weeds’ virgin. The name is a hypocoristic for Maria Arantzazu, a shrine of Mary, mother of Jesus, in Gipuzkoa. The feast day occurs on September 9, in memory of the Virgin of Arantzazu. 1) The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu (Arantzazuko santutegia) is a Franciscan sanctuary located in Oñati, Basque Country, Spain. A shrine is a much-appreciated place among Gipuzkoans, with the Virgin of Arantzazu standing for the central worship figure and patron of the province along with Ignatius of Loyola. 2) Arantza is a town and municipality located in the region and autonomous community of Navarre, northern Spain.