The Basque language, pelota, singing, dancing, sports, village festivals, gastronomy… Basque traditions are so rich and numerous that it would be impossible to cover them all in a single article. So here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular traditions that you’ll have plenty of time to discover during your camping holiday in the Basque Country!
Force Basque games
Games of strength and skill are deeply rooted in Basque culture. Always an impressive spectacle, Basque feats of strength are as numerous as they are varied. Their origins lie in the agricultural activities and daily farm chores that the Basques performed before the mechanization of agriculture. As the Basques love to challenge each other, this tradition has evolved into a competition that allows everyone to assert their strength, power and stamina. Emblematic events include tug-of-war, stone, cart and anvil lifting, straw lifting and throwing, sack races, can carrying, axe chopping and cob picking… And there are many more for you to try out on a camping holiday in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques!
Basque pelota
Derived from the game of paume, to which the Basques made a few modifications, Basque pelota encompasses a number of games and specialities. Pelota can be played bare-handed, with a chistera (a wicker basket held in place by a leather glove) or with a pala (a kind of wooden racket). The aim of the game? Pelotaris (pelota players) pass the pelota (the ball) back and forth, either face-to-face or by hitting a wall called the frontis. On the fly or after a rebound, the pelota must land on the playing area called the cancha. The point ends when a team commits a foul or fails to throw the ball back before the second rebound. During your stay with us, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch a pelota match on the Espelette village fronton!
The Basque song
For over 1,200 years, singing has been an integral part of Basque culture… Beautiful and moving, Basque songs are a collective, popular and traditionally male practice whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. They are sung everywhere: on stage, in village squares, in churches… During your Basque vacation, you must not hesitate for a single second to attend a men’s choir concert. Goose bumps and tears are guaranteed! The most famous choirs in the Basque Country are Oldarra and Adixkideak. Their renown extends far beyond the borders of the South-West, and they even have an international following!
Photo: © Ph.Laplace
