Jaialdi Festival kicks off in Boise
BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) -- Boise has the highest concentration of Basques in the country, outside of the region itself. So in 1987, the Basque community decided to put on the first Jaialdi at the old state penitentiary.Annie Gavica, the Basque Museum education specialist, says that Jaialdi is huge for this reason.
"It's huge for Boise," Gavica said. "Boise has a very large Basque population and so to be able to showcase this culture, not only to non-Basques in the area but to people all over the United States. It's a very rich culture, it's kind of nice."
Gavica says that there are different festivals all over the United States. But Jaialdi is only in Boise, and it draws international attention.
"It's gained a little more of a reputation outside of the Boise, Idaho community and outside of the Basque community too," Gavica said. "So we have a lot of other people that are really interested in coming and checking out the festival and seeing what Boise Basques are all about."
And for some helping to put on the event, it's a way for them to connect with their heritage.
"It's huge, it connects you with your culture," Josu Pieter, a volunteer, said. "Being in America, you don't always experience the same things that they do in the Basque country. So this kind of brings you closer to your family roots and your past."
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