JAIALDI

The World's Largest Celebration of Basque Culture 

Jaialdi refers to a festival in the Basque language Euskara. This festival exhibits the Basque culture with dancing and musical performances, sporting events, authentic food and drink. The Basque people are known for their merriment, and Boise's Jaialdi showcases these characteristics well.

Jaialdi was first celebrated in 1987 at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary as a one time weekend event to educate the public about the Basque culture. Jaialdi ‘87 attracted approximately 30,000 visitors who enjoyed the event, the location, and the opportunity to be part of the Basque activities. The festival was so popular that Governor Cecil Andrus asked the local Basque community to put on another celebration to help celebrate Idaho’s Centennial in 1990.

After Jaialdi ’90, it was decided that the Jailaldi would continue to be held in Boise every five years. Jaialdi has become so popular that the larger events were moved to the Western Idaho Fairgrounds to accommodate over 40,000 guests with celebrations continuing on The Basque Block. Boise State University's Basque Studies program also presents educational events downtown and oncampus during Jaialdi.

Jaialdi is held on the last weekend of July, which coincides with the Basque community of Boise’s celebration of their patron saint, San Ignacio of Loyola.