Oinkari Basque Dancers

In the summer of 1960, a group of young Basque Americans from Boise, Idaho traveled to the Basque Country with the desire to reconnect with their roots and learn about their heritage. While in the city of Donostia-San Sebastian, the Americans met a group of young dancers called Oinkari. They learned dances and music from Oinkari in the Basque Country that summer, and when they brought their repertoire home to Boise, they brought the name “Oinkari” with them.

The Oinkari Basque Dancers have been together for sixty-five years and counting. Composed of dancers from early teens to mid-thirties, the group showcases traditional Basque dances from several different provinces of the Basque country. Based in Boise, Oinkari performs at local, regional, national, and international events, both professional and charitable, for Basque and non-Basque audiences.

They are part of the jaia, or Basque festival, season in the United States, traveling to Basque events in California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and other western states annually. The group has performed on the East Coast several times, most recently for the 2024 New England Basque Fest in New London, Connecticut.

Oinkari has also traveled and performed internationally, frequenting the Basque Country to foster and maintain their connections and friendships there. Oinkari’s skilled Basque dance repertoire and authentic costumes have made them international ambassadors of Basque culture. The mix of fast feet, snapping fingers, colorful costumes, and live Basque music make their performances both enjoyable and engaging for any audience.

Since 1960, nearly 900 young Basque-Americans have danced in Oinkari, all of which have been volunteers who dance in the group to maintain their cultural ties while sharing the Basque culture with others.

Our mission: Through the art of traditional Basque dance, we, the Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise, Idaho, share our culture with our local and global community while continuing to preserve our unique heritage for future generations.