See You in Boise!

People, I am taking some days off from work and possibly from blogging.

I'm going to Idaho.

Why Boise?

Why Idaho?

I heard those two questions and its very variations for the last couple of weeks.

What the heck is there in Boise?

Are you going there for the potatoes?

Well, the answer is simple, I'm going to Boise to take part of the Jaialdi.

Huh?

Jaialdi?

What in the Lord's world is a Jaialdi?

Well, the answer is here:

Jaialdi 2005

Euzkaldunak, Boise's Basque Organization, invites everyone to celebrate the Basque culture's festival spirit. Jaialdi (meaning "Big Festival") takes place only every five years. Share in the fun customs characteristic of the Basque people. Lively music, quick-footed dancing, spirited handball exhibitions and strength lifting, flavorful foods, along with presentation on Basque history.

But why Boise, what does that have to do with the Jaialdi?

Don't panic, the website provides the answer:

The Basque Community of Boise, Idaho USA

The vast majority of the Basques living in the Boise area came from the province of Bizkaia. Basque names first started appearing here in the late 1800's. Although it was not something they had done in their homeland, many began working as sheepherders as the English and Scots had a lot of sheep and needed workers. Some Basques also worked in mining and logging. They were known to be honest, hard working people, and more and more came to this area as work was available.
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Our biggest celebration is based around the religious feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, patron saint of the Basques and founder of the Jesuit religious order. It is held on the last weekend of July annually and includes exhibitions of music, dance, and sports; a Mass, picnic, and both indoor and outdoor dances.
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International festivals, called "JAIALDI", have been held in Boise in 1987, 1990, 1995, & 2000...so we'll see you here in the year 2005! These are wonderful events with performers and athletes from the Basque Country as well as throughout the United States.

So, there you have it, nothing to do with potatoes.

And remember, for this week, everybody is Basque.

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