Vivid dances and bountiful hats come to mind when thinking about a region in Spain I have long awaited to research: Basque Country. With one Google search, you can find 80,100,000 results about the Basque and innumerable images displaying Basque culture. Is there anywhere you cannot find information about them? Filled with red, white, black, and green, Basque culture shines vibrantly throughout Northern Spain and Western France.

Since the Franco-Spanish settlers migrated to their current land, the Basques have developed an outstanding history. From their beginnings their civilization depended on the sea and sea trade. Later, they developed an agrarian society that focused on farming and providing within their communities. They contributed to the colonization of Canadian territories with the rest of Europe as well. Currently, Basque culture, besides in Basque Country, resides in the Alps Mountain range, with some communities scattered among the mountains. Who would not want to spend their life surviving in a bleak frozen mountain? Their society has become accustomed to the harsh winters accompanied by the mountains, and this has shaped their ongoing culture.

Basque culture and tradition has been passed down through their people and lives on despite globalization, much like their language. Euskera, spoken by them, has such old origins that they cannot be directly traced by researchers to any known source or language, although some trace it back to the Lascaux Caves in France. The closest language to Euskera is Aquitanian, which was spoken by ancient dwellers of modern-day France and Spain. Examples of Basque Euskera include “kaixo zer moduz zaude?/hello how are you?”

Similarly to the language, Basque cuisine has remained a constant, at least up until chefs were influenced by French cuisine in the 1970s. However, tradition cuisine includes Basque cider, cod omelets,  txakoli (sparkling white wine), and many more meats and sea foods.

More unique than their food, in my opinion, is neo-Basque architecture. This style is categorized by white stucco homes covered by terracotta-tiled roofs adorning red trim similar to a Tudor-style half-timbered home. The notably red and white buildings are built along sea-side mountains and landscapes. Imitators of the style try and bring the architecture away from its origin, but it will always suit its own land the best.

Looking through history at the Basque gives a fascinating lens at European history and global culture. Being interested in French culture, the Basque way of life and architecture inspire me to research more into their region and history. I particularly enjoy the architecture’s seemingly contemporary red and white contrast. Hopefully you can see Basque culture the way I do after reading a little about it.

Flag Website: https://www.hellabasque.org/basque-flag/