The Basque Museum & Cultural Center | Boise, ID

Basque Diaspora Day 2021
2021-09-08 | Basque Museum, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
This year marks the Fourth annual Day of the Basque Diaspora!
What is Diaspora Day? It is an annual event in which we celebrate the Basques and Basque culture outside the Basque Country. There are so many Basques around the world, we want to celebrate their accomplishments and continued efforts to perpetuate Basque culture for further generations! Why September 8? Well, glad you asked. September 8, 1522 was when Juan Sebastian Elcano finished Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe. Quite fitting since we are celebrating other Basques that have made their way to various locations around the world, established a family and community, and continue to share Basque culture!
Click below to learn more and take part!
I WANT TO SHARE MY STORY!

Winefest 2021
2021-08-28 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Boise) | Basque Museum, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
Winfest
Save the Date! Tickets go on sale July 16, 2021
August 28, 2021
Unlimited Wine tasting with over 75 wines
Exclusive Discount Wine sales
Live Music
Pintxos
Basque Country Raffle
…and more!
Tickets are limited so don’t miss out!
Learn More & Buy Tickets Here (on sale July 16)

Spanish Gap Year - Learn at Lunch!
2021-08-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Basque Museum, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is proud to partner with Spanish Gap Year, a language, culture, and travel program for young adults. Participants travel the Basque Country and throughout Spain in this once in a lifetime trip. Join this presentation to learn more about this 12 week experience led by program leader Aratnxa López.
Presentation is approximately 30 minutes with time for Q&A.
CLICK HERE AT 12 PM (NOON) MONDAY, AUGUST 9, TO JOIN OUR ZOOM INFO SESSION!
Registration for the Fall Session ends August 15, so don’t hesitate to check out their website and learn more if you are interested!
Learn more at www.spanishgapyear.com
Also join us from Facebook Live!

Fiber Frolic & Flywheel Fest
2021-08-07 10:00 - 16:00 | JUMP, 1000 W Myrtle Street, Boise, ID, 83702
See the Basque Museum & Cultural Center at the Fiber Frolic & Flywheel Fest!
The Twisted Ewe yarn shop and Idaho Wool Growers Association present the Fiber Frolic, taking place outside at JUMP as part of JUMP’s inaugural Flywheel Festival on Saturday, August 7th from 10-4.
After skipping a year in 2020, the Fiber Frolic is back to create an enriching educational and entertaining experience for folks who are unfamiliar with wool.
The day-long festival is a celebration of wool and sheep in Idaho with educational booths, wool product vendors, kids crafts, food trucks, music, and a community art installation.
VIEW MORE

Pintxo Pote at JUMP
2021-07-30 16:00 - 20:00 | JUMP Share Studio, 1000 W Myrtle Street, Boise, Idaho
Join the Basque Museum & Cultural Center at JUMP Share Studio for this fun, free community event!
We will be experiencing the delicious tradition that is a Pintxo Pote – think Basque Happy Hour! We will have lots of different Pintxos (small bites) for you to taste and try, as well as ongoing demonstrations throughout the night so you can learn how to make them at home! There will be kids activities, a cash bar, and other fun things (maybe a visit from some Basque Dancers!) to make sure this is a fun, and tasty, night for the entire family.
This event is FREE, join us July 30 from 4 – 8 PM.

Popular Music: A Doorway to Basque Culture Through History
2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Join Mikaela Goicoechea as she discusses Basque Popular Music Genres, specifically those from the past century. The historical progressions of prominent and popular music genres, such as folk, punk-rock, and erromeria, and their socio-cultural contexts will be presented.
Mikaela Goicoechea currently holds the position of Music Programs Director for the North American Basque Organizations (NABO) and has launched projects, such as Foku Musikala, a monthly installation of resources related to Basque songs. Ms. Goicoechea has also served as Udaleku (NABO’s Basque Summer Camp)’s Singing Instructor, teaching Basque-American youth about both traditional and popular Basque music. Ms. Goicoechea recently completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Learning and Teaching and a Minor in Spanish Language Studies from Arizona State University.
This presentation if FREE and will be recorded.
REGISTER HERE
*registration is required to attend ZOOM.

Book Presentation: "Witches" and Wily Women
2021-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | ID
Join us for this special presentation with author Begoña Echeverria on her new book “Witches” and Wily Women, the perfect way to celebrate UNESCO’S World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21st.
The book is said to be “an enlightened defense of ‘Noka,’ the second person familiar pronoun for a female addressee in the Basque language. It also provides a unique insight into Basque culture, language, and gender.”

This book is available at https://basquebooks.com/ if you would like to read it beforehand or after the presentation.

This ZOOM presentation is FREE, registration is required.

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpd-ipqTIoH9IQ_DKHLylpu8do_KZWX1GB

Basque Museum in the Classroom #4
2021-05-20 10:00 - 10:30 | ID
30 Minute Interactive Presentation
Grades 3 – 5
What will we learn?
Who are the Basque?
Why did they immigrate to Idaho, and what did they do when they got here?
Explore Basque culture through fun activities!
This presentation is fun, quick, and interactive! Students will be introduced to the Basque country, culture, immigration, language, and even a bit of music! All concepts will be taught with classroom activities in this quick and fun presentation.
Supplies needed: Students need to be able to see and hear ZOOM presentation. Also need 2 pencils and some scrap paper.
To participate, REGISTER HERE. Then login with your class at start time. Just make sure they can all see and hear the presentation!
Questions? Email kylieb@basquemuseum.eus
Note: All 4 presentations offered this spring will be basically the same with small variations, so you only need to pick 1 date to attend. Just pick the day and time that works best for you and your class!

Basque Museum in the Classroom #3
2021-05-05 14:00 - 14:30 | ID

Basque Museum in the Classroom #2
2021-04-29 14:00 - 14:30 | ID

Basque Museum in the Classroom #1
2021-04-14 10:00 - 10:30 | ID

Virtual Benefit Dinner
2021-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 | ID
Join us as we gather near and far for our first Virtual Benefit Dinner & Concert, April 10, 2021.
Click here to sign up!
Participants ($20 ticket) will receive a link to join our online Zoom Party April 10, 2021 at 6PM MST.
We will introduce you to the Board and Staff of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, share some exciting work we are completing this year, show some plans for this Fall and into 2022, and welcome some incredible musical guests. We will announce more leading up to the event, but so far, we will be hearing from:

NOKA (USA)
Xabi Aburruzaga (Portugalete, Bizkaia)
Keu Agirretxea (Ondarroa, Bizkaia)
Jean Flesher (USA)
Mercedes Mendive (USA)
Ziortza eta Leire (Gernika, Bizkaia)
Amuma Says No (USA)
Luhartz (Durango, Bizakaia)

Click here for more!

Participants can simply log on for the concert, or you can add dinner and drinks and make it a real party!
Dinner ($40, and includes the link to the concert) Menu:

Ensalada Mixta
Choice of:

Poulet Basquaise with roasted red peppers & potato boulangere
Rioja Braised Beef Cheek with sweet potato puree & sautéed green beans
Codfish Bizkaina with garlic rice & creamed kale

Tarta San Marcos
Wine by the bottle options ($15 per bottle) available

Dinner Pick Up will be available from 3-5pm Saturday, April 10, 2021 prior to the online event.
Deliveries ($20 additional charge – to those that are unable to drive downtown) will also be made during that time frame.
If Wine is included in your order, IDs will be required for pick up or delivery.
Click here to sign up!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email or by calling 208-343-2671.

Sheepherding: Basque, Historic, Modern -Virtual Happy Hour Presentation
2021-04-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
REGISTER HERE
Registration is required to join the ZOOM! 7 PM MOUNTAIN TIME, April 8th!
Enjoy your beverage of choice during this Virtual Happy Hour with guest speaker Mikie McDonnell, Rangeland Stewardship Specialist with the California Rangeland Trust.
It is no secret that the American Basque has a strong connection and history with the sheep industry. Delve a little deeper into the agricultural side with us. This talk focuses on the agricultural impacts of Sheepherding in the Western United States, the Basque connection to the sheep industry, and how this industry has evolved and adapted to modern times. Mikie is an expert in targeted grazing practices and land stewardship using sheep and has even spent significant time sheepherding in the Montana mountains ranges using a Basque wagon and methods.
Do you have specific questions you want answered? Email them to kylieb@basquemuseum.eus before the class and we will be sure to address them.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required. Event will be recorded and published.

More about our Guest Speaker, Mikie McDonnell

Growing up in San Luis Obispo, Ca on a ranch that was never my own unknowingly set the stage for the life of conservation work I lead today. The connection I still hold with every acre of that property that I had to leave in my early 20’s helps me to understand ranchers, grazing lease holders, agriculturalist and lovers of open space stories and those complexities that come along with them. I always considered myself somewhat of a “cowgirl”, helping out at brandings, raising livestock, always ready to jump on a horse. I had no real experience with sheep before being handed about 500 head, a sheep wagon, herding and guard dogs and a Tennessee Walker mare. I still am not sure if the rancher was just out of options or if he really wanted to give this girl a chance. Maybe a mixture of both. Before that summer in Montana, I had received an undergraduate Biology degree from Boise State University, had done some rangeland bird survey work around Idaho, and had made the decision to try my hand at Graduate School. I had started this summer job with more knowledge of the science and management processes for targeted grazing than I did about actually herding sheep. The hard lessons that I learned almost every day those two summers are ones I will never forget and always cherish. After receiving a Masters in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho, I took a cowboy/range monitoring job for a rancher out in the Pahsimeroi Valley, truly Gods country. After a failed attempt to create a permanent position through The Range Rider Program, I decided to take a job as an Americorp member at a land trust in the Wood River Valley later that fall. After creating a Pollinator Initiative Program that continues in community success, I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer from the California
Rangeland Trust in Sacramento as their Rangeland Stewardship Specialist. This position has allowed me to combine all my passions and strengths and the fact that I get paid for it still amazes me! Though I reside in a large city, the ranges are still my home as my career takes me to all the ranches with conservation easements we have throughout the state of California. Though I am far away from the hillsides of Montana, being a shepherd is something that will always be alive within me.

Virtual Basque Cooking Class
2021-03-14 14:00 - 17:00 | Online
Join us for a Virtual Basque Cooking Class featuring instruction from the talented Basque Chef Asier Garcia, Executive Chef at restaurant Leku Ona in Boise. Cook along with us from the comfort of your own kitchen, and impress your dinner guests with visually stunning squid ink noodles, the perfectly cooked rack of lamb, and nail that tricky but “oh so delicious” Basque Burnt Cheesecake – the flavor of the year by the New York Times.
What Your Ticket Includes
Tickets are $25/Device

Ingredient List: The complete list of all ingredients needed to make the entire menu. Ingredients not included with ticket, just your shopping list!
Recipes & Instructions: Some of us still need it written down. Complete written recipe instructions included.
LIVE STREAMED Cooking Class via ZOOM: Cook with us! Follow along, ask questions, get tips, and cook the perfect Sunday Basque dinner you will never forget.
Recorded Cooking Class: Want to watch it again? Need to review a technique? You will have full access to the recorded class.

How to Sign Up & Participate

PURCHASE TICKET HERE, visit the Basque Museum to purchase in person, or give us a call at 208-343-2671
Upon purchase, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the “Shopping List”
48 Hours before Event, you will receive an email with ZOOM link and remaining materials.
A few days after the event, you will receive a link to the recording via email.

Ticket Registration Ends: March 12 or until tickets are sold out.
All proceeds of ticket sales go towards supporting Educational Programs at the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit. This event is held in collaboration with JUMP, and we thank them for use of their share studio and expertise!
Meet the Chef
Asier Garcia was born and raised in Bilbao, studied culinary arts, and trained at the three Michelin starred restaurant Berasategi. Asier went on to work in one of the temples of Basque gastronomy: “Katxi”, where the quality of the product was the main character in every dish and was treated with the utmost respect. From there he met with Jose Mari Artiach and came to Boise to open Leku Ona in 2005. He ran the restaurant kitchen for a couple of years before returning to Bilbao. With over 20 years of experience in some of the best restaurants, both in Boise and Bilbao, Asier intends to bring back Leku Ona to the very best of Basque gastronomy.

Virtual Dance Class - the Jota with AIKO!
2021-02-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Instructors for renowned AIKO Dance group in Bilbao will lead an educational, “Feet On”, virtual dance class hosted by the Basque Museum!

This class explores the Jota – the history of the jota, meaning behind the steps, and its relationship to the waltz and other dances. Students get to practice the Jota and learn the steps from the comfort of their homes using AIKO’s cutting edge virtual dance technology, and led by their professional instructors. As a bonus, participants will also be introduced to the AIKO dance group methodology and opportunities; perfect for the budding dance enthusiast or casual learner.

Join us February 20, 11 AM MOUNTAIN TIME

This class will be hosted through ZOOM, and is FREE. (Donations are welcome!)

Registration is required and space is limited:

REGISTER HERE

Winefest Club PICKUP
2021-02-05 - 2021-02-06 | Basque Museum, 611 W Grove St, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
Curbside Pickup for your Winefest Club Wines!
Friday, February 5th, 1 PM – 6 PM
Saturday, February 6th, 11 AM – 3 PM
Not a member? Join Here!

Book Showcase: Seven Wagons and a Half
2021-01-28 08:00 - 17:00 | ID
This is not a live event, however we will be publishing a pre-recorded video of our interview with author Jim Barayasarra. Jim shares with us the inspiration behind his book of short stories, and the themes such as prejudice, heritage, and family he explores in these comical and heartwarming memoirs.
This book is available in the Museum store HERE, and we encourage you to supplement your reading experience with the recorded interview video, showcasing the behind the scenes of this delightful memoir by Jim Barayasarra.
Video will be available on facebook, youtube, and on the Museum website.

Spring Euskara Classes Begin
2021-01-18 | Online
Register now for your online Spring Euskara classes! Registration is open for returning and new beginner students. Registration will close Jan 6, 2021.
Click here for more information and to register for language classes.

Holiday Sale!
2020-11-27 - 2020-12-03 | ID
Join us online or in-person for our annual Holiday Sale!
Use code XJVKT6JG to get 5% off your online purchase.
Members, use BOTH your member code (found in your newsletter) & the code above for 15% off.
5% discount automatically applied in-store!

*Some items are excluded from sale.

Picasso Presents Gernika: Online Presentation
2020-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Picasso Presents Gernika is a historical docudrama written by Dr. Begoña Echeverria (Chino Basque Club) about the the child refugee crisis resulting from Hitler’s 1937 bombing of the Basque town Gernika and Picasso’s artistic response to the bombing (Guernica). The script weaves primary source material and documentation with imaginative fiction. Echeverria partnered with theatre scholar, Dr. Annika Speer, to develop and produce a staged reading of the play followed by a film. This presentation focuses on the artistic craft of staging history.
