Basques in Boise

Jaialdi, a world famous international Basque festival held in Boise, Idaho, unveiled this week the official schedule of events for the 2010 cultural festival. The Jaialdi, that happens every five years thanks to the support and dedication of the Basque community of Boise, will be celebrated during the week of July 26 through August 1.

People from all over the United States and the world attend, compete and celebrate in what is Boise''s largest cultural event. Over 30,000 attended Jaialdi 2005. It features spectacular cultural dances and musical exhibitions as well as sporting competitions like weightlifting, wood chopping and other competitions indigenous to the Basque people.

"Welcome to Jaialdi" events on the Basque Block mark the beginning of the Jaialdi, featuring food, drink and strolling musicians on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th.

On Thursday, it is time for the Basque sports at the Qwest Arena, opposite the Basque Block. Three weight lifters from the Basque Country will be lifting cylinders weighing 250-400 pounds and balls weighing 250 pounds.

Then, three wood choppers will compete against each other, and 20 farm sports competitors will participate in feats of strength such as throwing bales of hay, lifting wagons and carrying milk cans.

Friday''s "Basqueing on the Block", from noon until 6 p.m., features food, drink, strolling musicians and a chance to visit with old friends and new acquaintances. Then, one hour later, it is time for "Festara", at the Morrison Center on the Boise State University campus. This performance features two dance groups from the Basque Country, the Oinkari Basque Dancers, bertsolariak and an interpretive performance by the Trey McIntyre project.

More than 36 groups

On Saturday, Expo Idaho welcomes the Jaialdi. "Basqueing at the Fairgrounds" will feature more than 36 dance groups from six Western states on two indoor stages. Vendors with unique novelties, souvenirs and clothing will set up shop in the air-conditioned portion of the Expo building. Food and drink will be available, along with sports events near the outdoor fountain. Sheep wagons will be on display.

A traditional San Inazio Mass will be celebrated in Basque on Saturday evening and will feature the Oñati Dancers, who will perform on the St. John''s altar with the Oinkari Dancers.

Boise band Amuma Says No and other groups from both the Basque Country and Boise will play live at the Expo Idaho Fairgrounds.

On Sunday, more dancing, weight lifting, vendors and food booths will close the festival at the Expo Idaho from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.