Basque Americans

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Basque-american

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Basque center in Boise, Idaho

Winnemucca Basque Festival

Basque Americans are Americans of Basque descent. The Basque people originate from the region that straddles the border between Spain and France in the western Pyrenees mountains. Basque Americans have a rich cultural heritage and have made significant contributions to various aspects of American society.

History

The first significant wave of Basque immigration to the United States occurred in the mid-19th century, primarily due to economic hardship and political unrest in the Basque Country. Many Basques initially settled in California, Nevada, and Idaho, where they found work in the sheep herding industry. Over time, Basque communities spread to other parts of the United States, including Oregon, Wyoming, and Utah.

Culture

Basque Americans have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity, preserving their unique language, Euskara, and traditions. Basque festivals, known as Euskal Jaiak, are held in various cities across the United States, featuring traditional Basque music, dance, and cuisine. The Basque pelota game is also a popular sport among Basque Americans.

Notable Basque Americans

Several Basque Americans have achieved prominence in various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts. Notable Basque Americans include:

• John Garamendi, a U.S. Congressman from California
• Patxi López, a former President of the Basque Government
• Joe Echevarria, former CEO of Deloitte LLP

Basque American Organizations

There are several organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Basque culture in the United States. These include the North American Basque Organizations (NABO), which coordinates activities and events among Basque clubs across the country, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise, Idaho.

Related Pages

• Basque Country (autonomous community)
• Basque language
• Sheep herding
• Euskal Jaiak
• Basque pelota
• North American Basque Organizations
• Basque Museum and Cultural Center

See Also

• Spanish Americans
• French Americans
• Immigration to the United States