BOISE, Ida. — Thousands flock to Boise's Basque Block this weekend for the 2019 San Inazio Festival.
The annual event is in honor of St. Ignatius, the patron saint of the Basques. It started more than two decades ago and now attracts thousands of visitors to the Basque Block to check out local musicians, dancers, and Basque sporting events.
The festival kicked off on Friday, July 26th with a "Friends and Family" night where everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite pintxo (appetizer) to share and visit with those that have traveled from far away or from just down the road. Then, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, local musicians will be in the Basque Block to entertain the crowds.
Saturday's events also include a performance by Boiseko Gazteak, the city's youngest Basque Dancers, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years old. Basque music ensemble Txantxangorriak will take the stage next, followed by Oinkari Basque Dancers. The group has been a vital part of the Idaho Basque community since 1960 and has toured all over the world promoting Basque American culture.
St. Mark's Church will host mass and liturgical dances by Onati Dantza Taldea, starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Live music by Amerikanuak and street dancing will round out the evening and early morning.
Festivities continue Sunday with a family picnic at Kristin Armstrong Park starting at 11 a.m.
Later in the evening, Kalimotxo Cowboys will wow the crowds as street dancing opens again on the Block. Txantxangorriak will also perform again Sunday.
The festival is Friday through Sunday and admission is free. For more information, check out the website here or follow the Basque Center on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
