BOISE, Idaho — Due to COVID-19 concerns, Jaialdi has been postponed to 2021. The worldwide Basque festival was scheduled to be held in Boise in July. Instead, it will now take place July 27 through August 1, 2021.
“We have been planning a great festival for four years, so this was a difficult decision,” said Jaialdi board member Amy Wray. “But the COVID-19 situation both home and abroad is too uncertain, and we don’t want to risk the health of festivalgoers.”
Around 30,000 people who attend Jaialdi travel from out-of-state or from the Basque Country to attend the festival. The Basque Country is near Spain and France and Spain has been especially hard hit from the virus.
Details for the 2021 festival are still being finalized, but organizers anticipate the same lineup. Information about refunds for 2020 ticketed events are also being finalized and will be shared on the Jaialdi website and social media channels.
“This year is a tough one,” Wray says. “But Basques are an ancient people who have weathered storms before. We’re looking forward to finally seeing our friends, hugging our relatives, dancing on the Basque Block, and celebrating our culture next year — and we hope the people of the Treasure Valley and beyond join us.”
Jaialdi traditionally takes place every five years and thousands of people come to Boise to dance, eat, sing, meet new friends and celebrate the Basque culture. The festival began in 1987 and the every five year schedule began in 1990. This is the first year the festival has even been postponed.
For more information about Jaialdi 2021, click here.
