History
Jaialdi was first celebrated in 1987 as
a one time celebration in which the old and new, local and international
would celebrate in an educational, cultural, traditional, and
entertaining fashion. It was held at the 100 plus year old ex-Idaho
State Penitentiary, that is now a state park.
Jaialdi ‘87 attracted approximately 30,000 visitors who thoroughly
enjoyed the location, enthusiasm and high quality entertainment. The
festivities included a parade, symposium, mass, street dance, sports
exhibitions, dance-song-musical exhibitions, souvenir booths, food,
drink, and many shady locations for the rekindling of old friendships.
1990 was the 100th year anniversary for the State of Idaho. The Governor
of Idaho requested that the Basque Community once again celebrate with
Jaialdi, which was now a common festival name in the area. We wanted to
celebrate Idaho and its history of Basque contributions and to encourage
a homecoming to Idaho. Jaialdi ‘90 was celebrated. The 1990 Jaialdi took
the same format as the first with minor changes and some improvements.
1990 was such a success, it was decided that a Jaialdi festival would be
celebrated every 5 years.
The Jaialdi’s have been 1987, 1990, 1995, and 2000, with the next one
scheduled for 2005. The date is always the last weekend of July which
coincides with the Basque Community of Boise’s celebration of their
patron saint, San Ignacio of Loyola.
The goal of Jaialdi is to celebrate with international input in every
aspect of the celebration to include sports, dance, song, music,
cultural, souvenirs, symposium and more.
Jaialdi is an easy word to remember and say; and describes a week of
gathering and taking part in all or part of a truly memorable time.
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