Colors of Basque Country - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The Basque country has its name for a reason. This territory, which has been populated with a unique ethnic community since ancient times, still has its traditions and customs. By the way, the Basques do not only live in the North of Spain but also in the South of France – in Lapurdi, Bas-Novara, and Zuberoa. Although the Basque country, as an ethnic enclave, is a part of two other countries, it still remains certain autonomy of language, cultural background, and mentality. If your hobby or job has something to do with linguistics, try to make a contact with the locals. Many consider the Basque language to have word-forms, that remain unchanged since Paleolithic.

A lot of tourists are concerned about the Basques’ ethnic integrity and gaps in relationships with the Spanish, relating to this. In reality, there is no aggressive confrontation here. A part of the local population even considers themselves Spanish. Everybody knows ETA, the Basque extremist group, which fought for ethnic independence, and is now dissolved. The attitude to it is mixed. If you don’t want to find yourself in an awkward situation and cause an aggression, you’d better not raise questions, relating to independence or an attitude towards the Spanish. Otherwise, you may find yourself in the middle of a conflict, in case the position of a person you talk to differs from yours.

The Basques are very religious and are fervent Catholics. But it wasn’t always like this. Until the 18th – the beginning of the 19th century this nation was pagan, and there are still echoes of traditional beliefs in their present life. It’s enough proof, that in November the Basques has a Day of the Dead Festival. During the Festival time, any self-respecting Basque light a special candle, called argizaiolak, to honor the ancestors and ask for their patronage. A peculiar tradition is the beating of a Christmas log. Each family member should hit a log, covered in a blanket, three times with a branch, asking for a dearest wish to come true. After the “beating”, the log is placed on the table as a part of the decoration. On the day of the summer solstice, the Basques light the lights in their homes and jump over the fires, as they did hundreds of years ago. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

However, the Basques know, how to have fun. On the 20th of January, you may go deaf from the drumming as they celebrate Tamborrada. This day is devoted not only to all kinds of percussion instruments but also to the patron of the city – St. Sebastian. A traditional festive dish is a smoked eel, served with wine. On St. Thomas’ Day, the Basques drink cider, eat sausages, covered in a tortilla, and bargain, while selling or buying a lot of stuff. During the time of the feast, starting from the dawn, the streets of the city are filled with the peddlers, who offer, whatever your heart desires. Does it need to be mentioned, that it’s a perfect day to buy souvenirs and local goods at a low price?

The Big Week Festival in the middle of August is the time of festivity, when you can feel the positive and carefree atmosphere. The same, as during Piratas de Donostia and Carnaval festivals. On the third week of July, San-Sebastian welcomes Jazzaldia, the biggest European jazz festival, that hosts the world famous stars. There is also an International Film Festival. In Enrique and in Balmaseda, in June, you may find yourself in the medieval times – the local people dress in the style of the past centuries and serve the food, inspired by ancient recipes. Don’t forget, that the Basques just love cooking. There are so-called “culinary clubs”, where male friends gather together to cook and discuss the latest news in politics and culture. The biggest culinary festivals are San-Sebastian Gastronomika and Idiazabal Cheese Contest. It seems, that the atmosphere of carefree fun never leaves this welcoming country, where people love entertainments, dances, and good food.