The Boise Basque Festival makes a return on July 29 followinga decade of absenceIt is the largest Basque festival in the United States, attracting visitors from around the world to the City of Trees.
Boise is home to a significant Basque community that will gather this week to commemorate the occasion.
The 2020 festival was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers anticipate a large attendance at the activities during the week. It begins with “Basque-ing on the Block” on Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30.
What to do at the festival
The celebrations begin with “Basque-ing on the Block” at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, and will run throughout the week.
Notable events include Sports Night at Central Idaho Area on Thursday, July 31, beginning at 7 p.m. and requiring a ticket. Attendees will take part in herri kirolak (farm sports) – a complete schedule for the event can be found here.here.
Following Sports Night, a street dance will take place on the Basque block, featuring appearances by folk musician Xabi Aburruzaga, who plays the trikitixa (a type of accordion), and the rock group Gatibu.
Festara at the Idaho Central Arena is a festival that combines dance and music, highlighting Euskal Herria along with the Boise Oinkari Basque Dancers. Tickets are required for this event, which begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 1.
The weekend will feature additional celebrations at Expo Idaho. Dantzaldi is a family-friendly event held at the Idaho Central Arena, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The performance will include acts by Amuma Says No, Neomak, and Gatibu.
The celebrations will end on Sunday with a Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 5 p.m., followed by a closing street dance that continues until 11 p.m.
The complete timetable is availablehere.
A Glimpse into Basque Culture
Traditional cuisine and beverages will be available for sale across the Basque area, featuring kalixmoto (a blend of red wine and cola), kroketas, and chorizo sandwiches. Food trucks will be positioned along the block, including:
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Basque Market Sangria
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Basquenese
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Bocho Bochi
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Creekside Events
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Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream
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KB Burritos
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Summer Snow Shaved Ic
The following food vendors will be available at Expo Idaho:
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B’s Lemonade
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Basque Kitchen
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Buffalo Grill
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Basque Market
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Darjeeling momo
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Freedom Pop Kettle Corn
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Hokey Pokey LLC
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Kona Ice in the Treasure Valley
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Sweet Things
Bar Gernika, Ansot’s, the Basque Market, and Leku Ona will also be open in downtown Boise.
Road closures
Whether participating in the celebrations or exploring downtown Boise this week, be prepared for traffic delays and road closures throughout the week.
The event starts on Monday, July 28, with organizers predicting around 40,000 people will attend. Both pedestrian and car traffic in downtown Boise is anticipated to rise.
The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is advising motorists to prepare for increased traffic levels throughout the event. Traveling through the downtown region will require more time, so drivers are encouraged to depart earlier than originally scheduled.
Roads near the Basque Block will be inaccessible to vehicles from July 28 through August 5. This involves 6th Street from Main Street to Front Street, and Grove Street from 5th Street to Capital Boulevard. 8th Street will be closed between Hays and Fort Street on Sunday, August 3, and will be open again by the end of the day on that Sunday.
The Jaialdi Basque Festival will continue until Tuesday, August 5.
