San Inazio Festival

The San Inazio Festival is an annual event to honor St. Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of the Basques. It began more than 25 years ago and now thousands come to the Basque Block at the end of every July to see local musicians and dancers as well as Basque sporting events.

The kick-off event is on Friday with "Friends and Family" night. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite pintxo (snack) to share and visit with those that have traveled from far away or from just down the road. There are pala games (unique Basque game but comparable to racquetball) scheduled throughout the weekend at the Anduiza Fronton (619 Grove St.) that are televised in the Basque Center for spectators that prefer to stay cool during the hot July days.

Saturday gets started before noon with local musicians and Boiseko Gazteak, Boise's youngest Basque Dancers (ages 3-14). Txantxangorriak, a basque music ensemble rounds out the morning. The street activities peak with a performance by the Oinkari Basque Dancers. The Oinkari has been around since 1960 and has toured all over the world promoting Boise Basque culture. 

Pala games continue and that evening at St. John's Cathedral a mass with liturgical dances performed by Onati Dantza Taldea. Dancing on The Basque Block tops off the evening and early morning out with local favorite Amuma Says No, a Basque band from Boise that accompanied Oinkari Basque Dancers in the Basque Country and had a musical tour of their own.

Sunday is a relaxing day in Municipal Park with picnics and games for all age groups. Sunday evening entertainment fires back up on The Basque Block for another dance.

All are welcome to come experience San Inazio, and enjoy the unique Boise Basque culture on The Basque Block!