[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 131 (Wednesday, July 30, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4898-S4899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RECOGNIZING JAIALDI

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Idaho's 
Basque community and the return of Jaialdi, a renowned celebration of 
Basque heritage, impact, and traditions in the heart of Boise.
  Idaho has a long and proud history of Basque culture. Today, the Gem 
State, specifically the Treasure Valley, is home to the largest Basque 
population per capita outside of the Basque Country. The Basque people 
first arrived in southern Idaho in the 1890s, settling in Boise, 
Fruitland, and surrounding agricultural towns. Their unique sheep 
herding techniques cemented the Basques in Idaho's economic landscape, 
bringing with them rich traditions and ranching methods that shaped the 
region. Today, that culture is alive and well in Boise, where an entire 
downtown block is dedicated to Basque heritage, including the Cyrus 
Jacobs-Uberuaga House, a museum and cultural center, and restaurants. 
There, Idahoans and Basques from around the world gather to recognize 
Jaialdi.
  In 1987, Boise hosted the first-ever Jaialdi to educate the public 
about Basque culture and celebrate the patron saint, Saint Ignatius of 
Loyola. The multiday festival is held every 5 years and draws more than 
40,000 attendees from around the world. After having to cancel the 
festival in 2020, Jaialdi is back this July for the first time in 10 
years. The event features

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mass, traditional Basque sports, local and international dance groups 
including the Oinkari Basque dancers from Boise, strength competitions, 
concerts, and food.
  For over a century, the Basque people have had a profound influence 
on Idaho's history, culture, and economy. As we gather to celebrate 
Jaialdi, I encourage all Idahoans to reflect on the Basque community's 
legacy and its enduring role in the Gem State's success.

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