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Basque Country: Tradition and Innovation


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With a beautiful coastline on the Bay of Bizkay, the rugged Pyrenees Mountains, and postcard-perfect farms and villages, it's no wonder that tourists love Basque country. But it's the cultural heritage of the Basques that sets this region apart from other parts of Spain and France.

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The culture of the Basques, including their very old language, was nearly wiped out several times through history. People starved in the cities while surrounded by enemy militaries. One famous bombing in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War destroyed the city of Guernica. Children were punished if they were overheard speaking Basque, and traditional folk festivals were banned.

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So how did the Basque language and culture survive, and thrive, into the 21st century? A large factor was the end of the long reign of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco (1930s-1970s), who suppressed regional cultures. After Franco died and more tolerant leaders came into power, many traditional practices resurfaced.

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Basque country consists of seven provinces (similar to states in the United States) within Spain and France. Basque settlements around the world create what is sometimes called "the eighth state." As many armies passed through Basque country on their way to other parts of Europe, Basques became great traders and incorporated some of the customs, foods, and words from the travelers they met.

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Basques were also among the first people to venture far and wide by sea, to whaling and fishing grounds thousands of miles from their homeland. They became noted shipbuilders and iron and steel makers. In one year, they could produce more than 900 million pounds of iron and more than 1 billion pounds of steel! Today, modern architecture, electric buses, houses, and fishing boats harmoniously blend modern and traditional design.

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Despite their embrace of new technology and foreign influences, the backbone of Basque culture has always been the home. For many Basques, the house of their ancestors is a strong identity marker. In fact, the Basque word for house --etxea--is a common root for many family names. Even if they move to one of the larger cities, such as Bilbao or San Sebastian, Basques find comfort in visiting the farm or village of their grandparents or great grandparents. Many families are lucky enough to still own handsome stone farmhouses dating back several centuries.

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Political and economic forces sent Basques to settle in the United States, Canada, South and Central America, and elsewhere through the centuries. Beginning in the 1870s, many young Basque men emigrated to the American West to become sheepherders. When the weather was good, they would live in the mountains tending sheep. In the winter they retreated to boardinghouses filled with other Basque immigrants. Together they would speak and sing in Basque, play traditional card games, and eat hearty Basque foods. Today, their descendants celebrate their culture and pass it on to their children through festivals, language classes, and Basque summer camp.

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Mar 28
madeleine gaztambide madeleine gaztambide (Mar 28 2019 1:10AM) : Expansion more

Many Basques have culminated throughout South America, primarily taking residence in Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. In North America, their presence is most strong in California, Idaho, and Nevada.

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If you are lucky enough to visit Basque country, you will find the unique blend of traditional culture and modern innovation that has shaped this land. Take in the wonderful scenery, and take note of the language and culture. And, of course, try some mouth-watering Basque food!

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WORD HELP

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To suppress something means to use force to stop it.

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FAST FACTS:

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* Basques were among the crewmembers of Christopher Columbus's famous first voyage to America in 1492. There is strong evidence that one of his ships, the Santa Maria, was built by Basques.

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* Famous Catholic scholar Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Jesuit order in 1534 and became a saint in 1620, was Basque. Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, is named for him.

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* The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has attracted millions of visitors every year since it opened in 1997. One of its outdoor sculptures is a 40-foot tall puppy made of steel, soil, and flowerina nlants.

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Caption: A postcard-perfect view of a small village in the French portion of Basque country.

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Caption: Smithsonian researchers Cristina Diaz-Carrera (left) and Mary Linn (center) pose at a fall festival in Bilbao, where they served as judges in an oxtail soup-cooking contest. A festival official Oihana Pascual, joins the researchers.

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Caption: Smithsonian researcher Anne Pedersen and Basque researcher Aitor Inarra walk along a traditional stone wall in the countryside of the French potion of Basque country.

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Caption: Boats are lined up in the old port of Ondaroa, Cizpuzkua province.

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Caption: Smithsonian researchers Anne Pedersen (left) and Mary Linn (right) visited Jesus Aranburu at his cheese making shop in Idiazabal Gizpuzkua province.

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DMU Timestamp: March 07, 2019 02:52

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Mar 28
madeleine gaztambide madeleine gaztambide (Mar 28 2019 1:07AM) : Basque Culture more

The Basque culture dates back to the beginning of recorded history so it is unsure how long these indigenous people have actually inhabited the land. Although the Basque people faced many tribulations when France and Spain came into the picture, the quaint place has managed to remain almost the same.

Fun Fact: They were one of the only people to not have been conquered by the Romans.

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