Local traditions

Bayonne is best known for its annual festival, the Fêtes de Bayonne, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. But there’s much more to Basque culture than this event. I’m sure you can think of other things often associated with the region. Let’s start with the language. Yes, you heard that right – the Basques have their own language. In fact, some historians consider it to be the oldest living language in Europe! It outlasted the Celts, the Greeks and the Romans, and it’s still spoken today, passed down through generations. It’s known as Euskara and dialects vary from province to province. The Basque Country is divided into 7 provinces, three of which are in France (Labourd, Basse-Navarre and Soule) and four in Spain (Navarre, Alava, Guipuscoa and Vizcaya). Bayonne is in the Labourd province, a former feudal stronghold. In any case, you can hear this unique language in Basque songs, often sung at church, sporting events and cultural gatherings. The Basque Country is also famous for its traditional whitewashed houses with their vibrant red, blue, or green timber framing. These colors have symbolic meanings. Red was for ox blood used in the past to prevent wood decay; blue was what was left of the paint used on fishing boats, and is thus a nod to the region’s maritime past; and, finally, green is thought to have been the by-product of the iron ore extracted from the region’s rich soils. In Basque, these houses are known as ‘Etxea’. Some are truly stunning. Moving on to sports, chances are you’ve heard of Basque pelota. This activity, which has its origins in the game of Real Tennis, can be played in three different ways: with a chistera, that is, a wicker basket, with a pala, a wooden racket, or bare-handed. The goal is to hit the ball against the wall and have it bounce back into the playing area for your opponent to strike back. You should definitely give it a go while you’re here! But there’s more to the Basque Country than meets the eye. It would take hours to list all the things that make this region so special, from its songs and dances to the traditional festivals that shape its strong cultural identity. If you’re interested in delving deeper, look for local shows or village festivals to experience it firsthand. For now, let’s get on with our tour and explore the beautiful Léon Bonnat Garden.