After 10 long years, Jaialdi is coming back to Boise. From July 29 to August 3, 2025, Boise will once again host one of the largest Basque festivals in the world. That’s not an exaggeration. More than 30,000 people are expected to gather here to celebrate the food, music, dance, and traditions of the Basque culture. Whether you go for the dancing, the food, the kalimotxos, or the hay bale throwing (more on that later), Jaialdi is Boise an iconic Boise event. Let’s get into it. What is Jaialdi?Jaialdi (pronounced hai-AL-dee) means “festival” in Euskara, the Basque language. It started in 1987 as a one-time event out at the Old Penitentiary, meant to bring together the local Basque community and highlight its heritage. But it was such a hit (30,000 people showed up!) that it came back in 1990, this time as part of Idaho’s statehood centennial. After that it continued every five years – except for 2020. Which means it’s been a whole decade since the last Jaialdi! I'd say we’re due for a big ol' Basque party. A little Basque backstoryThe Basques hail from the Pyrenees region between Spain and France, and Boise has the largest Basque population outside of Europe – around 16,000 people. Many Basque immigrants came to Idaho in the 1800s and early 1900s to work in mining, timber, and eventually sheepherding. They built boarding houses, community centers, and even their own fronton court (for Basque handball) right here in downtown Boise. Read our story about Basque history in Boise. Of course, you can still experience Basque culture every day in Boise at The Basque Museum & Cultural Center, The Basque Market, Bar Gernika, Leku Ona, Ansots, Basquense, andEpi’s Basque Restauarnt – to name a few. But Jaialdi is the big one. What’s happening at Jaialdi 2025It’s a week-long celebration and there’s a lot going on. Here’s the schedule of major events: Tuesday, July 29: Basque-Ing On The Block at The Basque Block5pm: Evenings filled with street food, kalimotxos (that’s red wine + Coke), live music, dancing, and strolling musicians. It's free to attend. Wednesday, July 30: Basque-Ing On The Block at The Basque Block5pm: More Basque food, drinks, and music on the Basque Block. It's free to attend. Thursday, July 31: Basque-Ing On The Basque Block + Sports Night at Idaho Central Arena12pm: Basque food, drinks, and music, starting up at noon today and going into the late night. Perfect for a festive mid-week lunch or after work drink and dinner. It's free to attend. 7pm: Herri kirolak, or traditional Basque farm sports is happening at Idaho Central Arena. Events include wood chopping, hay bale throwing, and lifting giant stone balls. And yes it’s as impressive as it sounds. Heads up: Sports Night are technically sold out but there's "verified resale tickets" available – get them here. If you miss it, you can still catch the athletes at Expo Idaho over the weekend (see below). 8:30pm: Street Dance on the Basque Block from 8:30-11pm. No Basque festival is complete without music and dancing. Enjoy Basque folk and rock music with performances from Xabi Aburruzaga and Gatibu. It's free to attend. Friday, August 1: Basque-Ing On The Basque Block + Festara at Idaho Central Arena12pm: Basque food, drinks, and music on the Basque Block and going into the late night. It's free to attend. 7pm: Festara is happening at Idaho Central Arena. It’s a vibrant celebration of traditional Basque music and dance featuring performers from the Basque Country and Boise’s own Oinkari Basque Dancers. Tix are $25-$45. Saturday, August 2: Basque-ing at Expo Idaho + Dantzaldi10am: Basque-Ing At Expo Idaho is happening all day. Dozens of folk dance groups from all over the country will perform indoors on two stages. There’s also a vendor marketplace, food and drinks, more herri kirolak, and even sheep wagons on display. (And air conditioning – just sayin!) Tix are $16-$20. Kids 5 and under are free. 7:30pm: Dantzaldi, an all-ages concert, is happening at Idaho Central Area. The show features Basque and Basque-American bands including Gatibu, Neomak, and Boise’s beloved Amuma Says No. Dance floor is open. Tix are $30. Sunday, August 3: Basque-ing at Expo Idaho + Mass + Street Dance11am: More music, more food, more herri kirolak, and more shopping at Expo Idaho. Tix are $16-$20. Kids 5 and under are free. 5pm: Jaialdi Mass is happening at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. This is a special Mass and your chance to see the Boise Oñati Dancers perform a sacred liturgical dance on the altar. It's free to attend. Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is located at 807 N 8th St, Boise 83702. 8:30pm: Street Dance is happening on the Basque Block. Close out the week and say “agur, Jaialdi” with live music and one last dance party. There will be performances from Xabi Aburruzaga and Amuma Says No. It's free to attend. Goes until 11pm. Meet the performersJaialdi draws in people from all over the country and world. There’s some seriously talented groups from both the Basque Country and across the US that will be performing at the festival. International groups:Arkaitz – A legendary dance troupe from Gipuzkoa, Spain, keeping centuries-old Basque steps alive with incredible precision and heart. Gatibu – Basque rock at its finest. This band brings stadium-level energy, feel-good melodies, and lyrics in the Bizkaian dialect that’ll have you dancing even if you don’t know the words. Neomak – Seven women, one mission: modernize Basque folk. Think electronic beats, bold vocals, tambourines, with a side of attitude. Absolute powerhouses. Tio Teronen Semeak – Equal parts dancers and entertainers, these guys break the mold with mashups of styles, humor, and moves that’ll keep you guessing (and laughing). Xabi Aburruzaga – A master of the trikitixa (Basque accordion) and musical storyteller whose sounds blend tradition, Celtic influence, and innovation. Prepare to be transported. Bertsolariak – Imagine a Basque poetry slam with freestyle singing. These bertsolariak improvise emotional, funny, and powerful verses on the spot and in Euskara. One of the most unique performances you'll see. Local and regional performers:Amuma Says No – Boise’s favorite Basque band mixing traditional accordion and tambourine with modern rock and serious energy. Guaranteed dance party. Battle Mountain Oberenak Club – Hailing from Nevada, this multigenerational dance club brings heart, heritage, and a whole lotta pride with their Minis, Middles, and Older Dancers. Biotzetik Basque Choir – “From the heart,” literally. This Boise-based choir blends folk and formal Basque songs with harmonies that will give you chills. Boise Oñati Dantza Taldea – The only group outside of the Basque Country entrusted to perform the sacred Korpus Dantzak in full. Powerful, precise, and deeply rooted. Boiseko Gazteak – Boise’s tiniest Basque dancers, ages 4–14, who’ve been keeping traditions alive (and super cute) since the 1940s. Elko Ariñak Dancers – Dancing since 1968, this Nevada group brings big energy and bold steps from toddlers to adults. Total crowd favorites. Gauden Bat – Meaning “Let us be one,” this SoCal dance crew brings traditional Basque flair with a side of lifelong friendship and fun. Gooding Gazteak – The new kids on the block! Founded in 2024, this Idaho Magic Valley group may be new, but they’ve got tons of talent. Herribatza Dantzariak – With dancers from across rural Idaho and Oregon, this high-energy group is fueled by tradition and teamwork. They also do a mini Euskara lesson at every practice - cool! Oinkari Basque Dancers – Boise icons. Since 1960, Oinkari has brought the fast feet, finger snaps, and colorful costumes that make Basque dance unforgettable. San Francisco Zazpiak Bat – One of the oldest Basque dance groups in the US Celebrating 65 years of culture and connection from the Bay to Boise. Txantxangorriak – Affectionately known as Txan Txan, this Boise-based music group blends trikis, panderos, spoons, and song into foot-stomping Basque joy. Utah’ko Triskalariak – Utah’s longtime dance troupe bringing the spirit of Salt Lake to the Jaialdi stage with every high kick and heel stomp. Tips & tixTips (mostly about food)Ok let's talk about food & drinks, because it's a very important part of Basque culture and Jaialdi! If you've never had Basque food before, here's a few musts/personal faves:
Also if you are wondering where to park, I'd suggest finding a spot in a parking garage and walking to the festival, especially if you are going to be there for a few hours. You can also bike or bus to downtown! TicketsAll the events on the Basque Block and the Sunday Mass are totally free. All of the other events require a ticket. Buy tickets here. See you on the Basque BlockJaialdi is more than a festival. It’s a living, breathing celebration of culture, heritage, and community. It’s a chance to dance in the street, hear music you’ve never heard before, and eat more croquetas than you thought possible. Get the full schedule, ticket links, and more at jaialdi.com. Eskerrik asko and with love from Boise, Marissa
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