A Cultural Celebration in Boise: Jaialdi Returns After a Decade
For the first time in over a decade, thousands of people from around the world will gather in Boise’s Basque Block to celebrate Jaialdi. This six-day festival honors Basque culture through food, music, dance, sport, and community, running from Tuesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 3. The event is a vibrant showcase of heritage, bringing together individuals from across the globe to celebrate their roots.
“Jaialdi” means “festival” in the Basque language, and it stands as one of the largest celebrations of Basque culture in the world. Traditionally held every five years during the last weekend of July, the festival coincides with the traditional celebration of San Ignatius of Loyola — the patron saint of the Basque people. It serves as a cultural homecoming for Basques everywhere, offering a chance to reconnect with family, friends, and traditions while sharing their heritage with the wider community.
While Basque festivals occur globally, Jaialdi is unique to Boise and attracts attendees from the Basque Country and communities throughout the United States. The last event was scheduled for 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic, making this year’s gathering the first in ten years. Organizers anticipate between 30,000 and 40,000 attendees, expecting an even larger and more energetic celebration than usual.
Marketing Director Lael Uberuaga-Rodgers noted that while 30 to 40% of attendees are local, many come from abroad, with others traveling from across the U.S. Many events are free and open to the public, including street performances and activities in the Basque Block. However, some events like Sports Night, Festara, Dantzaldi, and the Expo Idaho showcase require tickets, which can be purchased online.
This year’s festival introduces new and improved elements to mark the return after a decade. One of the highlights is Dantzaldi, a large indoor concert and dance hall at the Idaho Central Arena on Saturday, August 2. This event allows more people to enjoy a mix of Basque folk, rock, and fusion music from international and local performers. Uberuaga-Rodgers emphasized that the indoor setting creates a festival-like atmosphere where everyone can join the dance floor.
Five international Basque music and dance groups will travel to Boise for Jaialdi, with Gatibu, a Basque rock band from northern Spain, headlining the event. This level of international participation adds a new dimension to the festival, highlighting its global significance.
Another popular event is Sports Night, featuring herri kirolak, or traditional Basque rural sports. Athletes from around the world compete in events such as stone lifting, wood chopping, and bale lifting, rooted in centuries-old Basque village traditions. These contests emphasize strength and skill, drawing large crowds and showcasing the physical prowess of participants.
Events will also take place at Expo Idaho on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. Attendees can enjoy Basque dance groups on indoor stages, sheep wagons, food, drinks, and a vendor fair with Basque novelties, jewelry, and clothing. Uberuaga-Rodgers recommends attending Expo Idaho for a comprehensive experience.
The Oñati Korpus (Corpus Christi) dances, sacred liturgical performances typically held in the Basque town of Oñati, will be showcased during the Jaialdi Mass on Sunday, August 3. Dancers use hoops, castanets, and intricate steps to perform symbolic routines, adding a spiritual element to the festival.
Traditional Basque cuisine, including chorizo, solomo sandwiches, and croquettes, will be available on the Basque Block. All restaurants on the block will remain open, ensuring attendees stay fueled throughout the event.
Jaialdi is entirely run by volunteers, with applications still being accepted for those interested in helping out. Volunteers receive perks such as free entry to events or merchandise. Uberuaga-Rodgers emphasized that the passion for the festival drives the volunteer efforts.
The Basques are an indigenous ethnic group from Southwest Europe, speaking Euskara, a language with no known linguistic relatives. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Basques migrated to America, often taking on demanding work such as sheep herding. Boise became a prime area for cattle and sheep herding, leading to the establishment of Basque communities. They created safe spaces to speak their language, share meals, and adjust to life in America.
Boise became one of the nation’s most concentrated Basque communities, and today the city continues to celebrate that heritage through cultural districts like the Basque Block. While there is limited new immigration of Basque people into Boise, the culture remains strong and is shared with the broader community.
Jaialdi began in 1987 as a one-time event held at the Idaho State Penitentiary, drawing over 30,000 attendees. Its success led to its return in 1990, coinciding with the state’s centennial celebration. After another successful festival, Jaialdi became a recurring event held every five years in Boise. Today, the Basque Block is a vibrant cultural hub that preserves and celebrates these traditions year-round, with Jaialdi as the peak event.
Boiseans, whether Basque or not, take pride in their Basque heritage, and the festival is a testament to that. After a decade-long break, this year’s Jaialdi promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.
Key Events During Jaialdi 2025
- Tuesday, July 29 – Kickoff party on the Basque Block with food, drinks, and strolling musicians.
- Wednesday, July 30 – Continued festivities on the Basque Block with food, drinks, and music.
- Thursday, July 31 – Food, drinks, and music on the block, followed by athletic competitions at the Idaho Central Arena.
- Friday, August 1 – More food, drinks, and music on the block, along with traditional Basque performances.
- Saturday, August 2 – Expo Idaho features dance groups, vendor booths, and the Dantzaldi concert.
- Sunday, August 3 – Final day includes a special mass with sacred dances, followed by performances on the Basque Block.
Whether you’re Basque or not, Jaialdi offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s largest cultural festivals right here in Boise. Come for the food, music, and dance, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Basque heritage.
