The sights, sounds and flavors of Basque culture will be on display as the 58th annual Reno Basque Festival returns Saturday, July 18, at the McKinley Arts & Culture Center.
The free event begins at 10 a.m. and will feature traditional Basque food and drinks, folk dancing, live music, sporting events, contests and cultural exhibits. Visitors can also browse Basque arts, crafts and souvenirs while learning about one of Northern Nevada’s longstanding cultural communities.
Festivities begin with Mass at 10 a.m., followed by Basque dancers at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with traditional weightlifting demonstrations at 2 p.m. More dancing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., followed by traditional Basque contests at 3:30 p.m., including weight-carrying and wood-chopping exhibitions.
Audience members will also have opportunities to participate in select activities and learn informal Basque folk dances.
The celebration will continue with a social dance at 8 p.m. at Lead Dog Brewing, featuring music by Izen Gabe.
The festival is hosted by the Zazpiak Bat Reno Basque Club. The club was founded in September 1966 by 33 members, each contributing $3 for membership.
According to the club’s website, its principal mission is to “preserve and maintain the traditions and culture of the Basque people in this area, while teaching others about the culture as well.”
The club is also a charter member of the North American Basque Organizations, a federation of Basque clubs across the United States and Canada. Through that membership, the Reno club participates in regional gatherings and helps strengthen connections within the larger North American Basque community.
The Reno Basque Festival is also one of dozens of events featured during Artown, Reno’s monthlong arts and culture celebration held each July.
Since its founding in 1996, Artown has showcased hundreds of performances, exhibitions and cultural events celebrating the region’s artistic diversity. As part of this year’s lineup, the Basque Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the music, food and traditions that have long been part of Northern Nevada’s cultural heritage.
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