The Basque Country is one of Europe’s oldest and strongest cultures. It encompasses the region to the north of Spain, on the Bay of Biscay at the western end of the Pyrenees mountain range, straddling the border between southern France and Spain. That’s why, thanks to its location, the Pays Basque is a land of tradition.
Our culture and origins differ in many ways from those of the rest of Spain, and from the Spanish way of life.
Basques are deeply proud of their origins, their uniqueness, their traditions, their language and their culture.
Surrounded by a privileged landscape, dotted with charming old villages that contrast with old industrial towns transformed into post-modern cities; this place, which they call home, hosts world events and offers top-quality services that ensure visitors enjoy their stay in the Basque region.
The Basque people
The Basque Country comprises three provinces in northern Spain and three in south-western France.
Spain’s main cities are Bilbao, San Sebastian (Donostia) and Vitoria-Gasteiz. In the six provinces combined, there are a total of over three million people, two and a half million in Spain and 270,000 in France, not forgetting a sizeable community in northern Navarre.
There is also a large Basque diaspora throughout the Americas. More than 50,000 people in the United States claim to be of Basque origin.
These people, mainly on the East Coast of the United States, organize annual Basque festivals to celebrate their origins with food, dance, rural folklore, markets, music, etc., and generally, most events are free.
These festivals are the perfect excuse to share Basque culture with other American communities and teach them our unique and ancestral language called Euskera; which is one of the greatest treasures we have to offer.
Euskera – One of the oldest spoken languages
Linguistically speaking, Basque has no direct link with any other known language, and is isolated from all other living languages, perhaps the oldest in Europe.
Although there are many different dialects spoken on Basque territory, Euskara Batua has been created as a link between all Basque speakers, so that it can be used and understood by most.
Today, Basque language and culture are still very much a part of everyday life in San Sabastián, Bilbao and the surrounding region.
Yet they struggle to keep Spanish at bay in this part of the country, emphasizing Euskera so as not to lose their special heritage.
Basque culture – Folklore and festivals
Culture is a rich and extraordinary part of the Basque Country’s traditions: from the unique language (Euskera), to the varied gastronomy, to the Basque dances (Euskal dantzak) that are traditionally performed at popular events.
All these elements play an important role in local celebrations and in distinguishing the Basques from the rest of Spain and Europe.
Today, Basque folklore is still very much alive and an integral part of their origins. Basques continue to celebrate myths and legends at festivities throughout the Basque Country.
If you’re lucky enough to take part in one of the festivities, you can also discover another part of Basque culture, the “bertsolaris”.
Bertsolaris are traditional Basque poets who compose, sing and improvise verses following specific rules and subjects in front of an audience.
Basque gastronomy – A state concern
Basque cuisine is the essence of the region’s culture and origins. Excellent local and seasonal produce are the key ingredients that make Basque gastronomy so incredible and unique.
The Basque Country is a combination of sea, mountains and vineyards that make possible the wide variety of dishes (with locally grown ingredients) and specialties whose heritage has been handed down from generation to generation.
The traditional local markets are the temples of Basque cuisine and are much appreciated by all. You can find regional specialties not only on the menus of award-winning restaurants, but also as a delicious bite to eat in a small bar at any time, in or around town.
This “miniature cuisine” or “pintxos” – as the Basques call it – is closely linked to “txikiteo” (groups of friends who drink wine while visiting different bars). It has become an affordable way to sample the famous Basque gastronomy and enjoy the culture.
Traditions also include another phenomenon: known as gastronomic societies or “txokos”. Private clubs where Basques share their love of food, cooked on the premises, while life’s mysteries are resolved over a good glass of wine.
These companies are now open to visitors and tourists, so we highly recommend you visit one if you get the chance!
