All posts by buber

Basque Fact of the Week, History

Basque Fact of the Week: The Basque Witch Trials

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Of the things often associated with the Basques – exploration and seafaring, pintxos, rural sports, an odd language – one of the most infamous is the Witch Trials. A mania, at least fueled by if not instigated by the Inquisition and other religious figures, swept parts of the Basque Country, leading to people accusing neighbors, […]

Basque Proverb of the Week

Basque Proverb of the Week: Proverb #1

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A, zer parea! Karakola eta barea! Oh, what a pair, a snail and a slug. These proverbs were collected by Jon Aske. For the full list, along with the origin and interpretation of each proverb, click this link.

Basque Fact of the Week, Diaspora, Euskadi

Basque Fact of the Week: Durango, Durango, Durango… So Many Durangos

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Despite their small country and the relatively small number of people, Basques have left their mark all across the globe. This is reflected in place names and one prime example is Durango. Durango is a relatively small village in the heart of Bizkaia, a larger city in Mexico, and a quaint town in Colorado. A […]

Basque Fact of the Week, Euskara

Basque Fact of the Week: The Basque Alphabet and Orthography

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The most basic element of a written language is the alphabet. However, because Euskara wasn’t standardized until the 1970s, spelling of Basque names and words was all over the place, often borrowing from Spanish and French. With standardization, the chaos finally settled and now there is a common alphabet used in all parts of the […]

Books, Interviews, People

A Calling to Write: An Interview with Author Bryce Ternet

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Bryce Ternet is an author known for his novels set in the Basque Country and in various parts of the American West. His novels are full of fascinating characters and detailed explorations of exotic locations, often inspired by his many travels. By one of those serendipitous coincidences in life, his wanderings have taken him Los […]

Basque Fact of the Week, People, Politics

Basque Fact of the Week: Paul Laxalt, Politician and Friend of Ronald Reagan

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Last week I profiled John Garamendi, one of the most prominent Basque-American politicians we have ever had in the United States. However, the distinction for the most prominent politician goes to Paul Laxalt. Governor and US Senator, he was also a close friend of Ronald Reagan and played an important role in Reagan’s presidential campaigns. […]

History, Interviews, People

A Donkey from Munitibar Wanders Here: An Interview with Professor Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe

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For centuries, the history of the Basques has been written by non-Basques – we have so little historical documentation written directly in Euskara or even by Basque themselves. Thus, when we find any hint of Basque history written by Basques, we must examine it to the fullest. The unassuming carvings left by Basque sheepherders in […]

Basque Fact of the Week, People, Politics

Basque Fact of the Week: John Garamendi, Basque-American Politician

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“Make sure the next generation is better off than yours.” That is the ethos of so many immigrants, the Basques included, as they look for opportunity in foreign lands. It was what Saturnino Garamendi told his grandson as he entered politics. John Garamendi is a prime example of this ethos. His grandfather immigrated to Utah […]

Random Bits of Basqueness

A Mystery – Why was a Lauburu the Symbol of the New York Folklore Center?

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Long time friend and collaborator of Buber’s Basque Page, David Cox, was watching the recent film on Bob Dylan’s life – A Complete Unknown. The New York Folklore Center was part of the story as the Center became a focal point for American folk music. In the context of Bob Dylan’s life, he spent a […]