"God is dead": after a comedian's performance in a Basque church, the Diocese denounces it as "sacrilege"
During a festival held in Arbérats-Sillègue in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region last Sunday, a woman mimed masturbation with a crucifix in the village church.
A surprising scene occurred during the Euskal Herria Zuzenean (EHZ) festival, which took place from June 27 to 29, in the Saint Laurent d'Arbérats church, located in the commune of Arbérats-Sillègue, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. On Sunday morning, a woman mimed an act of masturbation using a crucifix while standing on the altar.
In response to this incident, the Diocese of Bayonne, Lescar and Oloron issued a statement on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in which it condemned "particularly obscene gestures" and "violently anti-Christian remarks." The Church reportedly describes these actions as "sacrilege" and calls them "an act of reparation."
Strong condemnation by the Catholic community
Around 11 a.m., at the usual time for Mass, several people were in the church, which had been loaned to the festival organizers with the priest's consent. As music played, the woman took a crucifix, climbed onto the altar, and mimed an act of masturbation, exclaiming "God is dead!" before throwing the object to the ground.
More than laughter, it was the indignation that this woman aroused, both among the spectators present and among the clergy. The Bishop of the Diocese of Bayonne, Lescar, and Oloron, Mgr Marc Aillet, appointed in 2008, was particularly outraged by the show, denouncing it on Famille Chrétienne as a "fully intentional sacrilege."
A Comedian "Victim of Comedy"
Age 36, comedian Ane Lindane, originally from Bilbao, Spain, identifies as a left-winger and claims to address "various themes" in her shows, such as feminism and anti-fascism. Her appearance at the festival was indeed scheduled, according to the festival's official website, which stated that "her sharp humor (would) not appeal to everyone."
Faced with the controversy caused by her presence at the EHZ festival, the comedian posted a video in which she refused to apologize. On the contrary, she claims to be "possessed" by the devil, and thus positions herself as a "victim of the devil... of comedy."
Her actions have caused outrage in France, but also in Spain. The Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers has decided to file a complaint against Ane Lindane, based on Article 525 of the Spanish Penal Code, which provides for the offense of mockery. But this procedure is unlikely to succeed, as the events took place on French soil. A Mass will be celebrated soon in the Church of Saint-Laurent, which will be able to return to its usual tranquility.
See also Feminist Protest desecrates altar
More background
A Spanish comedian desecrates a Basque church during a festival, sparking outrage. Discover the details of this divisive controversy.
A Spanish comedian shocks by desecrating a Basque church during a festival. Artistic gesture or sacrilege? The controversy is growing...
Imagine a small Basque village, nestled in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, where the tranquility of the place is suddenly shattered by an act that shocks an entire community. On June 29, 2025, Arbérats-Sillègue, a town of 330 inhabitants, became the scene of a resounding scandal. During a local festival, a Spanish comedian climbed a church altar and mimed a provocative act with a crucifix, before throwing it to the ground. This gesture, perceived as sacrilege by many, sparked a wave of outrage and rekindled debates about freedom of expression and respect for beliefs. How could such an event have occurred, and what does it reveal about current cultural and religious tensions?
A Basque village at the heart of controversy
Arbérats-Sillègue, located in the Basque province of Lower Navarre, is a place where tradition and modernity coexist. This village, known for its rich heritage and close-knit community, welcomes thousands of visitors each year for the Euskal Herria Zuzenean (EHZ) festival. This cultural event, held from June 27 to 29, celebrates diversity and progressive values through concerts, lectures, and performances. But in 2025, the festival took an unexpected turn, marked by a shocking incident.
The EHZ festival, which presents itself as a space for social and ecological reflection, attracts a diverse audience, from activists to music lovers. This year, the program included a performance by a comedian from Bilbao, known for her feminist and anti-fascist stances. What was intended as a moment of satire turned into an act deemed sacrilegious by the local Catholic community.
A provocative Gesture in a sacred place
On June 29, in the Church of Saint Lawrence, a historic monument dating back to 1615, the comedian crossed a line many consider sacred. According to accounts shared on social media, she climbed onto the altar, grabbed a crucifix, and mimed an obscene gesture before throwing it to the ground. This act, performed to the applause of some of the audience, was filmed and widely shared, amplifying the incident's impact.
"Such actions, in a church dedicated to worship, deeply offend the Catholic community. They constitute a sacrilege that calls for an act of reparation." A local church representative
The video, which went viral, sparked immediate reactions. For some, it was an artistic performance intended to provoke and question established norms. For others, the act was a direct attack on the Christian faith and respect for places of worship.
A controversial comedian
The comedian, originally from Bilbao, is known for her politically engaged shows, addressing themes such as feminism, anti-fascism, and the defense of the Basque language. Her monologues, often provocative, seek to challenge social conventions. On social media, she maintains strong political positions, particularly against far-right movements. But her actions in the church went beyond satire for many, touching on a sacred symbol at the heart of a community deeply attached to its traditions.
Far from apologizing, the comedian took responsibility for his actions, presenting them as a criticism of religious institutions and their historical influence. This stance fueled the anger of the faithful, who saw it as gratuitous provocation, devoid of respect for their faith.
The EHZ Festival: A framework conducive to provocation?
The Euskal Herria Zuzenean festival aims to be a space for freedom and exchange. According to its organizers, it promotes diversity, ecology, and progressive values. Here are some key points of its philosophy:
Diversity: Bringing together people from all backgrounds to overcome prejudices.
Commitment: Proposing debates on social and political issues. Basque Culture: Promoting the local language and traditions.
Ecology: Raising awareness about environmental protection.
This progressive approach attracts a young, activist audience, but it can also create tensions with the village's more traditional values. By hosting such a provocative performance in a church, did the festival organizers underestimate the impact on the local community?
A wounded Catholic community
For the residents of Arbérats-Sillègue, the Saint-Laurent church is much more than a building. It is a place of contemplation, a symbol of their history and their faith. The act of desecration was experienced as a deep wound, especially since the village is deeply rooted in the Basque Catholic tradition.
Reactions were swift. Representatives of the local church denounced an "intentional sacrilege," calling for a reparation ceremony to purify the site. On social media, residents expressed their anger, some calling the incident a "gratuitous provocation" against their identity.
"It's a shame. We cannot allow such acts to go unpunished in a sacred place." A resident of Arbérats-Sillègue
This outrage is part of a broader context of tensions surrounding places of worship in France. In recent years, several churches have been vandalized, such as in Dijon in 2019, where a nativity scene was repeatedly desecrated, or in Pouligny-Saint-Pierre in 2014, where minors smashed stained-glass windows.
A Broader Debate: Freedom of expression versus religious respect
This incident raises a burning question: where does freedom of expression end? For the comedian's defenders, his gesture is part of an artistic approach aimed at questioning the power of religious institutions. They argue that art must provoke thought, even at the risk of shocking.
But for the Catholic community, this gesture goes beyond the bounds of respect. Using a crucifix, a central symbol of the Christian faith, in an obscene performance is seen as a direct attack on their beliefs. This debate is not new and recalls other controversies, such as the one surrounding the parody of The Last Supper during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Position Arguments
Defenders of the comedian Freedom of expression, criticism of institutions, provocative art
Catholic community Respect for beliefs, sacrilege, moral injury
The Basque Context: Tradition and Modernity
The Basque Country is a region where traditions, particularly religious ones, occupy a central place. The Catholic faith is deeply rooted, and churches like Saint-Laurent are symbols of identity. Yet, the region is also marked by strong political engagement, with progressive and independence movements expressing themselves at events such as the EHZ festival.
This coexistence between tradition and modernity can create friction. By moving to Arbérats-Sillègue for the second consecutive year, the festival sought to build ties with the local community. But the incident revealed a gap between the festival's values and those of some of the local residents.
Political and social reactions
On social media, the incident sparked polarized reactions. Some internet users denounced an attack on the Christian faith, while others defended the comedian's right to express himself. Local political figures also reacted, some calling the act a "disgrace" and calling for measures to protect places of worship.
This scandal comes amid growing tensions in France over religious issues. In recent years, acts of vandalism against churches have been reported, fueling feelings of Christianophobia among some Catholics. For example, in May 2025, churches in Brittany and Normandy were vandalized, rekindling debates on the protection of religious heritage.
Towards reconciliation or escalation?
Given the scale of the controversy, several questions arise: how can the harm caused to the Catholic community be repaired? Will the EHZ festival revise its programming to avoid further controversy? A reparation ceremony, as suggested by the Church, could ease tensions, but it also risks rekindling the debate on the place of religion in the public sphere.
For now, the comedian remains firm in her position, while the local community is demanding a public apology. This affair illustrates the challenges of a society where freedom of expression and respect for beliefs must coexist, often amid palpable tension.
What does this incident teach us?
The Arbérats-Sillègue incident is more than a simple provocation. It highlights the cultural and religious divides of a changing society. Here are some lessons to be learned:
Mutual respect: Places of worship, even when used for cultural events, remain sacred spaces for many.
Necessary dialogue: Festivals like EHZ must better integrate local sensitivities to avoid conflicts.
Weight of symbols: Religious objects, such as the crucifix, carry a strong emotional charge that must be respected.
Ultimately, this event invites us to reflect collectively on how we can reconcile artistic freedom with respect for beliefs. In a world where sensitivities clash, dialogue remains the key to preventing such incidents from happening again.
Arbérats-Sillègue, this small Basque village, may have been the scene of a scandal, but it could also become an example of resilience and reconciliation. It remains to be seen whether the players involved will seize this opportunity to build a more harmonious future.
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