Boise San Inazio (Basque) Festival 2023 - This Weekend

by Lysi Bishop

It’s that time of the year again for the annual 2023 San Inanzio Basque Festival (also known as the Basque Festival) and we’re all here for it! From July 28th until Sunday, July 30th, the block of 6th Street and Grove Street will flood with live music, basque dancing, tasty food, drinks, and the vibrant colors of red, white, and green!

History of the Basque community in Boise:

The large migration of the Basque community to Idaho started in the late 1800’s, during the era of Fransisco Franco’s reign in Spain. Due to their unwillingness to unify with Spain, the resulting issues and restrictions drove a large wave of Basque people to migrate from the western Pyrenees region of northern Spain and southern France to the western United States in search of better opportunities.

During this time period, the western areas of the United States were well-known for mining for gold, which drew a large population of the Basque community to Idaho in hopes of becoming miners. However, once many arrived in the state, many saw the opportunity and money that came from ranching and sheepherding.

Due to the landscaping and underdevelopment of Boise at the time, this location was perfect for the Basque people to thrive. Over the last few decades, the Basque community and culture have become a huge part of the Boise community.

Click here for more information on this event:

https://www.thebasqueblock.com/#:~:text=Numbering%20about%2016%2C000%2C%20Boise's%20Basque,their%20own%20%2D%20The%20Basque%20Block!

Basque Restaurants in Boise:

The Basque market

608 W Grove Street

Link:

https://www.thebasquemarket.com/

Ansots Basque Chorizos

560 W Main Street

Link:

https://ansots.com/

Leku Ona