INTRODUCTION
Europeans share a rich cultural heritage from centuries of trade and migration. Linguistic and cultural diversity is one of Europe’s main assets, each of us contributing with our uniqueness.
BASQUE. is a window into a land (the land of the Basque language, Euskara), a history, a way of seeing the world. It is the expression of a culture proud of its heritage, a people that have learned to embrace difference to create a new vision for tomorrow.
BASQUE. opens a new door to Basque culture and contemporary creation through music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature, art … and the Basque language. It is a place open to creativity, to sharing ideas, building bridges, sparking new conversation, and fostering dialogue between cultures.
01
LAND
THE LAND OF THE BASQUE LANGUAGE
Euskal Herria, which means ‘land of the Basque language’, is located in southern Europe, west of the Pyrenees. It straddles both sides of the mountain range, stretching through valleys and plains down to the wild Cantabrian Sea. This ancient land boasts an extraordinary culture, and a language unlike any other in the world. The Basque Country, Euskadi or Euskal Herria, is inclusive and welcoming, and everything is within easy reach. Having adapted to change, this modern society leads the way in Europe in terms of quality of life and sustainable development.
LANGUAGE
EUSKERA, AN ANCIENT LANGUAGE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Euskera is the oldest living language in Europe. Its origin remains a mystery today: nobody knows where it came from and it bears no resemblance to any other family of languages. It has survived for centuries, and in so doing, the Basques have preserved a rich, unique culture. A case in point is the robust health enjoyed by the Basque art of improvised verse (bertsolaritza), a formidable force in Basque culture today. Currently, some 900,000 people speak Basque. The language also enjoys a strong presence in the educational, cultural, social and digital spheres.
Photo: National Bertsolaris Championship 2017, Ekaitz Zilarmendi
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02
LANGUAGE
EUSKERA, AN ANCIENT LANGUAGE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Euskera is the oldest living language in Europe. Its origin remains a mystery today: nobody knows where it came from and it bears no resemblance to any other family of languages. It has survived for centuries, and in so doing, the Basques have preserved a rich, unique culture. A case in point is the robust health enjoyed by the Basque art of improvised verse (bertsolaritza), a formidable force in Basque culture today. Currently, some 900,000 people speak Basque. The language also enjoys a strong presence in the educational, cultural, social and digital spheres.
Photo: National Bertsolaris Championship 2017, Ekaitz Zilarmendi
03
SOCIETY AND TRADITIONS
NOA LAND OF AUTHENTICITY
This is a land of deep roots and unique traditions, folklore, and mythology. Together with the language, they occupy a prominent place in the collective imagination. But more than as a means of interpreting the past, our heritage serves as a base on which to forge our future. Ours is a modern land where tradition and modernity live together in harmony.
Photo: Joaldunak, Ekaitz Zilarmendi
FILM
THE GOLDEN AGE
The recent successes of Loreak, Amama and Handia have allowed Basque language film productions to flourish. Basque cinema has grown over the last fifty years, starting with Ama Lur, an ode to the Basque Country (N. Basterretxea and F. Larruquert, 1968) to the latest generation of film directors (Cobeaga, Garaño, Arregi, Vigalondo, Goenaga, Altuna, Esnal, etc.), the Kimuak short film programme, and acclaimed directors the likes of Medem and Alex de la Iglesia. With the San Sebastian Festival as its flagship, the Basque Country enjoys a rich cinematic culture.
Photo: Shooting of Oreina, Txintxua Films
04
04
FILM
THE GOLDEN AGE
The recent successes of Loreak, Amama and Handia have allowed Basque language film productions to flourish. Basque cinema has grown over the last fifty years, starting with Ama Lur, an ode to the Basque Country (N. Basterretxea and F. Larruquert, 1968) to the latest generation of film directors (Cobeaga, Garaño, Arregi, Vigalondo, Goenaga, Altuna, Esnal, etc.), the Kimuak short film programme, and acclaimed directors the likes of Medem and Alex de la Iglesia. With the San Sebastian Festival as its flagship, the Basque Country enjoys a rich cinematic culture.
Photo: Shooting of Oreina, Txintxua Films
05
MUSIC
POWERFUL DRIVER OF CULTURE
Music is an important driver of Basque cultural life. Historically, this has always been the case. Prominent Basque figures in the music world include composer Maurice Ravel, violinist Pablo Sarasate and harpist Nicanor Zabaleta. Ainhoa Arteta is one of the greatest contemporary sopranos in the world today and the Basque National Orchestra and choirs enjoy an excellent reputation internationally. Nowadays, the country hosts a range of rock (Azkena Rock Festival and Bilbao BBK Live) and jazz (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastián and Getxo) festivals. From the moving lyrics of folk artist Mikel Laboa to the pulsating rock of Berri Txarrak, and electronic wizardry of Belako, Basque music is making its mark.
Photo: Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado, Josu Kaleko
06
ART
UNIVERSAL ICONS
It would be impossible to understand Basque art without considering the vital legacy of Jorge Oteiza and Eduardo Chillida. Apart from the international dimension of their work, the two sculptors exerted an enormous influence on several generations of Basque artists (Txomin Badiola, Cristina Iglesias, Peio Irazu, Ángel Bados) and co-founded the artistic group Gaur (‘today’ in Basque) in the 1960s. Esther Ferrer is a pioneer and leading representative of performance art. The Basque Country also boasts numerous art museums and cultural centres (Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, Artium, Tabakalera…) and Basque art can be enjoyed around the world thanks to artists such as Itziar Okariz, Sergio Prego, Maider López, Asier Mendizabal and Jesús Mari Lazkano.
Photo: Sanctuary of Arantzazu, Carlos Copertone
05
MUSIC
POWERFUL DRIVER OF CULTURE
Music is an important driver of Basque cultural life. Historically, this has always been the case. Prominent Basque figures in the music world include composer Maurice Ravel, violinist Pablo Sarasate and harpist Nicanor Zabaleta. Ainhoa Arteta is one of the greatest contemporary sopranos in the world today and the Basque National Orchestra and choirs enjoy an excellent reputation internationally. Nowadays, the country hosts a range of rock (Azkena Rock Festival and Bilbao BBK Live) and jazz (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastián and Getxo) festivals. From the moving lyrics of folk artist Mikel Laboa to the pulsating rock of Berri Txarrak, and electronic wizardry of Belako, Basque music is making its mark.
Photo: Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado, Josu Kaleko
06
ART
UNIVERSAL ICONS
It would be impossible to understand Basque art without considering the vital legacy of Jorge Oteiza and Eduardo Chillida. Apart from the international dimension of their work, the two sculptors exerted an enormous influence on several generations of Basque artists (Txomin Badiola, Cristina Iglesias, Peio Irazu, Ángel Bados) and co-founded the artistic group Gaur (‘today’ in Basque) in the 1960s. Esther Ferrer is a pioneer and leading representative of performance art. The Basque Country also boasts numerous art museums and cultural centres (Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, Artium, Tabakalera…) and Basque art can be enjoyed around the world thanks to artists such as Itziar Okariz, Sergio Prego, Maider López, Asier Mendizabal and Jesús Mari Lazkano.
Photo: Sanctuary of Arantzazu, Carlos Copertone
07
LITERATURE
A LEGACY SET TO CONTINUE
Basque literature is fitter than ever. Many Basque novels are translated into other languages, some have won awards and others have been turned into films. Following the end of the Spanish dictatorship in 1975, there was a surge in number of publishing houses. Writers such as Bernardo Atxaga, Ramon Saizarbitoria and Arantxa Urretabizkaia are largely responsible for giving Basque language literature a well-deserved boost. Over the last few years, a group of upcoming writers, led by Eider Rodríguez, Kirmen Uribe and Harkaitz Cano, are poised to continue this legacy. Other local writers, including Ramiro Pinilla, Fernando Aramburu and Dolores Redondo have enjoyed success with works in Spanish over the last few decades.
Photo: Eider Rodriguez, Lander Garro
PERFORMING ARTS
TRADITION AND THE AVANT-GARDE
From traditional dance to avant-garde theatre, the Basque world of performing arts offers a wide range of highly unique work. Despite profound social changes, traditional dance has survived in the Basque Country. Classical, traditional, theatrical and contemporary dance are often blended into fusion productions. Local ballet stars, Lucía Lacarra and Igor Yebra, currently belong to large international ballet companies. In addition to multiple independent venues, the Arriaga Theatre in Bilbao, the Victoria Eugenia in San Sebastián and the Principal in Vitoria-Gasteiz are responsible for keeping the acting flame alive.
Photo: Haatik, Iurre Aranburu
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08
PERFORMING ARTS
TRADITION AND THE AVANT-GARDE
From traditional dance to avant-garde theatre, the Basque world of performing arts offers a wide range of highly unique work. Despite profound social changes, traditional dance has survived in the Basque Country. Classical, traditional, theatrical and contemporary dance are often blended into fusion productions. Local ballet stars, Lucía Lacarra and Igor Yebra, currently belong to large international ballet companies. In addition to multiple independent venues, the Arriaga Theatre in Bilbao, the Victoria Eugenia in San Sebastián and the Principal in Vitoria-Gasteiz are responsible for keeping the acting flame alive.
Photo: Haatik, Iurre Aranburu
09
FOOD
A WAY OF LIFE
For Basque people, gastronomy isn’t only about food. It’s a way of life. Pintxos, delicious mouthfuls of miniature cuisine enjoyed in a casual setting, have become one of the hallmarks of Basque food culture. The Basque Country is also home to hundreds of gastronomic societies, private clubs where friends get together to cook and socialize over a meal. Basque cuisine is a leading international force and has spearheaded several culinary revival movements. San Sebastian boasts more Michelin stars per capita than virtually any other city in the world.
Photo: Elkano, Mito Estudio
10
PEOPLE
A LAND OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Basques are famous for their adventurous and innovative spirit. Prominent figures such as Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe, or Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, have left their mark on the world. Universal Basques can be found in every corner of society: fashion couturiers Balenciaga and Paco Rabanne; writers Unamuno, Pío Baroja and Bernardo Atxaga; and artists Eduardo Chillida, Jorge Oteiza and Cristina Iglesias. In the business world, the modern, innovative Basque cooperative model has been the object of praise and study by world-renowned economists.
Photo: Balenciaga, Mito Estudio
09
FOOD
A WAY OF LIFE
For Basque people, gastronomy isn’t only about food. It’s a way of life. Pintxos, delicious mouthfuls of miniature cuisine enjoyed in a casual setting, have become one of the hallmarks of Basque food culture. The Basque Country is also home to hundreds of gastronomic societies, private clubs where friends get together to cook and socialize over a meal. Basque cuisine is a leading international force and has spearheaded several culinary revival movements. San Sebastian boasts more Michelin stars per capita than virtually any other city in the world.
Photo: Elkano, Mito Estudio
10
PEOPLE
A LAND OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Basques are famous for their adventurous and innovative spirit. Prominent figures such as Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe, or Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, have left their mark on the world. Universal Basques can be found in every corner of society: fashion couturiers Balenciaga and Paco Rabanne; writers Unamuno, Pío Baroja and Bernardo Atxaga; and artists Eduardo Chillida, Jorge Oteiza and Cristina Iglesias. In the business world, the modern, innovative Basque cooperative model has been the object of praise and study by world-renowned economists.
Photo: Balenciaga, Mito Estudio