Sports and Traditions

This article appeared today at EITb:

Fiestas & traditions

Early origins of the Basques

Basque rural sports

04/24/2008

Basque sports derive from the daily chores of farmers and fishermen, and are therefore sports of strength.

Basque rural sports are recreational activities that are closely linked to local traditions, and form an integral part of the country’s customs. Many of these activities are rooted in the early origins of the Basque people and the evolution of their rural world, which revolved mainly around the central figure of the family farmhouse.

Basque sports, which derive from the daily chores of farmers and fishermen, are therefore sports of strength. The main events in rural sports tournaments are idi probak (stone dragging races), aizkolariak (wood chopping), harrijasotzaileak (stone lifting), segalariak (grass cutting), korrikalariak (running), boloak (skittles), sokatira (tug-of-war), trontzalariak (log sawing) and ahari jokoa (ram fights).

Strength and competitiveness are very valued by the Basque people, who for centuries evolved under very harsh conditions imposed by the environment. Another important part of such events is betting, where both participants and spectators bet against the different possible outcomes.

Aizkolariak or log cutting competitions are perhaps the most popular of Basque rural sports. The activity is basically a test of stamina, and has many different varieties and variations.

Harrijasotzaileak or stone lifting is perhaps the oldest example of traditional Basque sports. The size and shape of the stones vary.

Idi probak or stone dragging competitions are one of the most typical rural sports. The stone, which can vary in weight from 1,500 to 4,500 kilos, is dragged around the town square by a pair of oxen for as long as possible.

Soka-tira or tug-of-war is an ancient sport that is played all over the world. Two teams pull from the opposite ends of a rope trying to bring the opposing team to their half of the field.

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