Basque Heritage

Basque people in Spain, “Vascos” as what Spaniards call them. Their culture and history is rich, colorful and interesting. Basque country is an autonomous region in northern-central part of Spain to Southern France and bordering the western end of the Pyrenees Mountains on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.

I have numerous Vasco friends and extended family from a small village called Gernika. Yes, the same “Guernica” that Pablo Picasso has painted which depicts the brutal bombing by Germans who were supporting the Nationalist General Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War. I find Basque people as proud of their heritage, who wouldn’t? They are smart and intelligent on how they cope with life, simple yet grand at the same time. A very welcoming community and wait until you taste their vast delectable cuisines and wine pairings that are to die for. There are no words come close enough to describe them, no kidding.

I have been attending Basque Festivals every year here in America. The festivity consists of colorful parade with floats, cultural dance numbers, running with the bulls, handball games (Pelota), Basque Shepherd’s Pie competition, Sunday Mass and followed by a huge lunch picnic. They also have this big Basque Festival every four years in Boise, Idaho. One time, not too long ago, I was in a Basque Museum and I heard a lady whispered to her companion “I find these Basque people weird”, I hope she meant weird in a good way. Some people they do not appreciate that there are other cultures so different from theirs. For me, that’s what makes a person more interesting. That’s what drives me even more to know that person.

Please check out related pictures.

Agur!