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Meeting the Basque Region
and Culture

Paella and flamenco are things that might come to mind when thinking about Spain. The Basque Country however, located in the North of the Iberian Peninsula, is a world apart from these traditional Spanish holiday icons.

When I first moved to Bilbao I also got to know this culture that was completely novel to me. This northern part of Spain has a culture unique to the rest of the country.

Some geography - where is the Basque Country located?

Believe it or not, that might be a tricky question to answer. The extension of the geographical area depends on the definition. One can either refer to the Spanish autonomous community or the historical territory.

  • The autonomous community
    Spain is divided into 17 different autonomous communities and the Basque Country is one of them. It is located in the north-eastern part of Spain and is made up of the following three provinces: Álava, Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa.

  • The historical territory
    The historical territory consists of the above mentioned area, but also includes Navarra (another Spanish autonomous community) and parts of Southern France, extending along the Pyrenees.

    This area has never been an independent country but can rather be defined as the homeland of the Basque language, people and culture.

Whatever geographical area one refers to, the countryside is amazingly beautiful. It is a place spoiled with great beaches, mountains and green hills.

A different language

Walking the streets of Bilbao you will sometimes hear people speaking in Euskera. Besides Spanish it is the official language here.

I guarantee you have never heard anything like it before!

This native language is ancient and its roots unknown. It is unique of its kind. Apparently it does not have any linguistical relatives.

An ancient culture

Basque people have different ancestors than the rest of the people on the Iberian Peninsula. Scientist has for long tried to figure out their origins and today it is believed that they have lived in the area since prehistoric times.

Remains show that human beings have inhibited this area for about 150.000 years. A great place to find out more is the Basque Museum in Bilbao.

Curious sports

Here you will encounter sports unknown in other places. Some examples are stone lifting, wood cutting and rowing. These have their origins in the rural settings of the past.

Another sport is a ball game called Pelota (Jai Alai) in Euskera), that also has an ancestral history. People here are devoted to cycling and mountain climbing. It is common for families to pack the picnic bag and spend the day walking in the beautiful, green hills.

Are you planning on visiting Bilbao? Then I recommend you to read up on the culture and history.

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