AS the weather gets warmer and photos of European summers flood social media feeds, many Americans find themselves longing for a vacation overseas.
However, with expensive airfare prices, it may seem impossible to make a European summer dream a reality.
The small Nevada town has roots in Spanish culture, like the Bilbao city pictured aboveCredit: AlamyBayonne, France, pictured above, is a popular vacation destination but can be pricey for AmericansCredit: AlamyWinnemucca, Nevada has a large population of Basque people, whose origins can be traced back to Spain and FranceCredit: Alamy
For those looking to experience the traditions and culture of Spain or France without traveling to Europe, a remote Nevada location may be the answer.
The small town of Winnemucca is home to people of Basque heritage, which originates from Northern Spain and parts of France.
The Basque region, comparable to the size of Rhode Island, straddles the border of the two European countries.
It includes the seven provinces of, Araba, Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Navarra on the Spanish side; Laburdi, Zuberoa, and Behe-Nafarroa on the French side, according to the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada.
Their native language, Euskara, is dying as only 25% of the population can speak it fluently.
The Basque people began to immigrate to the US in 1850 during the California Gold Rush, according to Winnemucca’s official website.
HISTORY OF BASQUE CULTURE
The Basques are the oldest surviving ethnic group in Europe, so historians have struggled to directly trace back their roots.
They are believed to have been descended from sheepherders, as Basque is suggested to be correlated with the term.
The group was largely isolated due to their location in the Pyrenees Mountains.
Basques later began to immigrate around the world, and many settled in Nevada due to the land opportunities, a director at the Center for Basque Studies told Smithsonian Magazine.
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Even though generations have now passed, the Basque culture remains alive and well in the small town of Winnemucca.
UNIQUE CUISINE
Winnemucca boasts the region’s highest Basque dining opportunities per capita, making it a hotspot for the culture.
Meals are typically served family-style and incorporate traditional Basque ingredients.
At The Martin Hotel, customers can order a variety of traditional dishes including the Solomo, which is a boneless pork loin simmered with fresh garlic and pimentos.
The menu also includes sweetbreads, deep-fried prawns, and liver with onions.
The restaurant has a rich history, having been built sometime between 1898 and 1908 by a man named Alfaonso Pasquale.
What is Basque Culture?
The Basque ethnic group originates from a small region bordering Spain and France.
They speak a language called, Euskara, although only 25% of the population can speak it fluently.
Although their culture is similar to European regions, the Basques were isolated due to the proximity of the Pyrenees mountain range and therefore have distinctive traditions from the rest of Spain.
Basque cuisine is unique and differs from French or Spanish food. Staples of the cuisine include pinxtos and Basque beans.
Those of Basque heritage have immigrated around the world, and many reside in the US, with a concentration in Winnemucca, Nevada.
It was then taken over in 1913 by a French couple and was later owned and managed by Basque families.
According to the hotel’s website, all dinners are served in the traditional Basque tradition with beans, a side dish, and bread pudding.
Food aside, Basque culture is prominent throughout the Winnemucca area and is even celebrated every June with an annual festival.
This year’s festival took place a few weeks ago and included a parade, games, and dancing.
TAKE A TRIP TO WINNEMUCCA
Beyond Basque culture, Winnemucca’s location provides access to a plethora of activities and resources.
For those looking to partake in outdoor activities, Winnemucca is conveniently located in the center of the Great Basin.
Visitors can explore hot springs or hike one of the multiple scenic trails.
The Water Canyon Recreational Area offers overnight camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, and limited ATV use for those looking to connect with nature.
Those traveling in the spring months can visit the Hinkey Summit in the Santa Rose Mountain Range.
Winnemuca also boasts a variety of casinos for visitors and locals to test their luck.
Visitors looking for a different foodie experience can check out The Pig BBQ & Pub for barbeque or grab some Mexican at Dos Amigos.
To learn more about the history of Winnemucca, visitors can stop by the Humboldt County Museum.
Basque culture is influenced by Spanish traditions due to the geographical proximityCredit: ReutersTraditional pinchos (pintxos) snacks are a part of Spanish cultureCredit: GettySpain is home to an abundance of culture and beautyCredit: GettyUnique traditional architecture can be found in the city of Bayonne in SpainCredit: Alamy
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Publish date : 2024-06-16 07:00:00
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