FACTS ABOUT BASQUE COUNTRY!

To prepare for our upcoming trip to País Vasco, we have noted down a few interesting facts that we thought were quite interesting so you can get to know the history of the region more!

If you like what you are reading then come along with us in December! You can get your tickets here: https://www.soyerasmusvlc.com/upcoming/Pais-Vasco

• The language of the Basques is called Euskera. It is one of Europe’s oldest languages that pre-dates any of the Romance languages such as French, Italian, Catalan, Portuguese, Spanish etc. The origins of Euskera are actually unknown, despite extensive research!

• To follow on from above, it is thought that the Basques may be the oldest ethnic group in Europe. Many believe that they have been established in the South-Western corner of Europe since before Indo-European people came 5,000 years ago.

• Basque Pelota is the most popular and international Basque sport. Similar to squash and handball, it can be played using your hand, racket or wooden bat. Pelota is a fast moving game that can be individually or a team. This sport is so popular that you will see courts built everywhere!

• San Sebastian, a city in Basque Country has been labelled as ‘The Food Capital of the Planet’. The city is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxo bars, food markets and gourmet shops. The three restaurants in San Sebastian who have been aware Michelin stars are Akelarre, Arzak and Martín Berasategui.

• Another aspect of Basque culture are rituals and dances. The Katcha-Ranka is performed mainly in fishing villages where a person plays St Peter and is carried in a coffin through the village to the water. Dancers then symbolically beat him to ensure they successfully fish. Another one is the running of the bulls in Pamplona, where civilians run away from bulls in the street!

• Did you know Basque is also spoken in some parts of France. In the Basque region of Southern France next to the border in the Pyrenees, towns such as Bayonne and Biarritz speak Basque

• They have their own unique drink Txakoli (similar to a dry sparkling white wine) which compliments well with pintxos

We hope you enjoyed reading some more interesting facts about the Basque Country, and come with us if you want to know more!