Basques around the world

Arratsalde on!

Wherever you are, I hope the weather is to your liking.  Over here, August has so far been typically Basque, by which I mean varied, sometimes wet but never lacking in beauty. You only have to take a look at our Eguraldiblog users to see that!

Once again Zorionak, Enhorabuena, Félicitations and Congratulations to Javi Aitor Zubizarreta, a Basques Around the World group member and one that’s frequently been making our headlines recently. The latest is that Javi received an important Award following on from his work on Artzainak: Shepherds and Sheep.

Igor caught up with him in Boise and got a taster of what’s to come in his next movie. It’s a fiction movie – though still no sign of Super-Basko!

Once again the Basque Country has hit the headlines in New York for its gastronomy – what else? Yesterday the focus was a wine, little known internationally but increasingly popular here and in the US. You guessed it – Txakoli.. Enter here to find out what they said – you may be surprised.

You may remember last month we published a report ‘on the ground’ from San Fermines in Lesaka, where we got a firsthand insight into the Discover the Basque Country tour?

Paddy Woodworth, Irish journalist and author of two books about the Basque Country, is one of the co-creators of that tour and has been telling Olwen what it’s like to share a passion.

That’s all for now.

Laister arte!

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Arratsalde on!

There are just 4 days and 16 hours to go until the start of this year’s Jaialdi celebrations in Boise. Throughout the course of the festival, we’ll be bringing you news, images and updates of goings-on.

As you can imagine, with less than a week to go Boiseans are now in the final stages of preparations. It is now the turns of Boise Mayor David Bieter and Basque Museum Director Patty Miller to tell us how each of them has been preparing for Jaialdi.

Dave Bieter, a Boisean of Basque descent, says that there are more Basques than ever visiting from the Basque Country and just to make us feel welcome recorded an invite in his very best Euskera!

News this side of the Atlantic includes the latest from San Sebastian’s Heineken Jazzaldia, which included an important award presentation for double-bassist Roy Carter and a performance from Cuba’s Arturo Sandoval.

Laister arte!

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Hey Basques,

There are only minimum services today due to industrial action, though the sun certainly isn’t on strike.

Remember we told you a few weeks ago that Bilbao had been awarded a ‘Nobel’ prize thanks to its ‘liveability’ and post-industrial rejuvenation? Well the City Mayor is currently in Singapore to pick up that award.

Mugalari has written about another good reason to visit the city. You may or may not know about the hanging bridge, actually classed as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. A fantastic piece of machinery, it’s been running since 1893.

Don’t forget of course that AC/DC played in the Basque capital last night. By all accounts the whole of the San Mames stadium rocked to the Australian band’s gig, possibly their last ever – and they played it in Bilbao! Why would that be, we wonder..?

Don’t forget the next big musical event is BBK Live, starting on July 8th. If you don’t know already, here’s a sneak peak at some of the acts playing on the first night.

That’s all for now!

Gero arte.

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Arratsalde on!

A few items today to bring you up to date with goings-on around the Basque Country this week.

Today you can read about Cody Beaudreau, an American learning Basque in the Basque town of Lazkao. He tells us of his first impressions of the Barnategi where he’s studying.

Lots of sports news, the most recent being the result of Caja Laboral Baskonia’s match against Real Madrid. Read about the nail-bitingly close match which led to a fourth play-off this Friday.

STOP THE PRESS: the North Korean World Cup squad are wearing shirts manufactured in none other than Basque town Mondragon. Find out how home-grown brand Astore made it onto the mysterious Far Eastern side’s kit.

The third sports news today, well… it’s not often we bring you news about Donostia-San Sebastian side Real Sociedad, especially since their demotion to the 2nd division. Well, they may just be promoted this weekend so watch this space…

By the way, if you’re going to be spending time in the Basque Country this summer, you’ll want to know which of our beaches have received blue flags for cleanliness. You have 3 to choose from…

That’s all for now.

Gero arte!

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Hi Basques,

An historic day today for Bilbao, the Basque Country – perhaps, indeed, the world! As momentous achievements, big and small, are being achieved in all corners:

First and foremost, the laying of the first stone of Athletic Bilbao’s new stadium, San Mames Barria.

Enjoy the taster video we’ve included for you here, and read about the “emotional” occasion which included a giant human chain (also with video).

Another significant Basque sporting event was also happening some miles away: Home-grown mountaineer Edurne Pasaban landed at Madrid airport after completing her challenge to climb the 14 8000ers – read what she had to say about her feelings, the future and what it is like to be the second woman to manage the feat.

And, as if you needed more reasons to come to Biscay: The province’s Txakoli wine was recently highly-rated by esteemed US wine-taster Robert Parker.

Lastly, if you’re in or around the Basque Country this autumn, you might like to know that legendary group Supertramp will be playing at the BEC! in Barakaldo on September 17^th.

That’s all for now!

Agur.

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Hello Basques,

Finally the sun is shining and it looks like spring is on its way.

If you live outside the Basque Country and are thinking of visiting soon, you might be interested to read about a new tour of cultural and culinary discovery. Set up by two non-natives, but confessed lovers of the Basque Country, the Discover the Basque Country tour promises a no-holds-barred insight into the more authentic side of Euskadi; this time, the lesser known San Fermines fiesta of the village of Lesaka.

Remember the news from a couple weeks back that Bilbao was to become the first ever Nobel prize-winning city? Today we can officially confirm that Bilbao City Council will receive the Lee Kuan Yew city prize for all its hard and conscientious work during the city’s post-industrial regeneration.

If you’re following the Manomanista, check out the latest post on our Dos Paredes, Basque Pelota Blog. Some interesting news about two of its main stars Barriola and Olaizola.

That’s all from us today.

Laister arte!

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Hi Basques,

As we explained when the group was formed, we endeavour to keep you abreast of all the most interesting goings on in the Basque Country.

The rain persists, so just as well our news can offer a ray of sunshine!

The best news today is that Bilbao has become the first city to win a Nobel prize! The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize was launched last year by the city of Singapore in conjunction with the Swedish Nobel academy. By all accounts, the jury was impressed by the Biscay capital’s post-industrial regeneration.

Mugalari, of our Basque Tourism Blogue, has sent us his latest post. This one is entitled Some Places I Like in Bilbao You May Also Like, and suggests nine spots a bit out of the ordinary that could appeal to the more curious visitor.

Also for Pelota fans – don’t forget to check out the latest post on our Dos Paredes, English pelota blog. Tiffany’s latest post has some interesting news about the Final Four of the Manomanista.

That’s all for now.

Gero arte.

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