Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2010
BOISE – The worldwide Basque diaspora converges on Boise, Idaho this week. The occasion is a cultural festival and party so big, it’s held only once every five years. Correspondent Tom Banse sampled opening night of an event expected to draw more than 35-thousand people.
The Basque Country straddles the border of France and Spain. Immigration from there to the American West started with the California gold rush and peaked about a hundred years ago. Today, Idaho has one of highest concentrations of Basque-Americans. An ethnic festival started more than 20 years ago by second and third generation descendents has morphed into a party big enough to justify charter flights from the old country. It even merits coverage by native Basque journalists like Igor Lansorena.
Igor Lansorena: “There is no other festival so big as this one here in Boise.”
Reporter: Anywhere in the world?
Igor: “No. I mean there are good festivals, but not so big.”
Sound: (strolling musicians)
The event is called Jaialdi, a Basque word meaning “big festival.” The 6-night run includes singing, dancing, sporting contests, an academic conference and even a visit by the president of the Basque Country from Europe. I’m Tom Banse in Boise.
On the web:
Jaialdi 2010
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