The Basques are a distinct ethnic group living in northern Spain and southern France. They have a long history, with various tribes mentioned by Roman writers and their region eventually becoming part of Spain and France. The Basques have their own language, culture, and are fiercely self-determining. They have fought for autonomy, with ETA being a separatist group. Basque culture is traditionally matriarchal and closely tied to the land and family.
The Basques are a group of people who live in the area of northern Spain and southern France. The Basques are a distinct ethnic group, although they have genetic similarities to many Portuguese, British, French, Irish and Spanish.
Today’s Basques are thought to be remnants of the first peoples of Western Europe, most of whom were exterminated or engulfed by the first conquerors. Various Basque tribes, notably the Aquitani and the Vasconi, have been mentioned by Roman writers. The Basque region was known as Vasconia during the Middle Ages, and was eventually divided in the time of Charlemagne into two distinct kingdoms, the Kingdom of Pamplona and the Kingdom of Castile. The Kingdom of Castile annexed much of the Basque territory from the 11th to the 16th century, and this land eventually became part of Spain. The rest of the Basque territory would become part of France.
The Basques are fiercely self-determining and many are part of a movement claiming sovereignty throughout the Basque region. The Basques speak their own language, have their own radio and newspapers, have their own education system and continue to embrace a culture that has lasted for thousands of years.
During the Spanish Civil War, Basques joined separatist movements, hoping to finally have total autonomy. When Franco defeated the separatists, however, the Basques were re-assimilated into the Spanish government. Since then, however, a series of reforms have taken place, granting the Basques more and more autonomy, even as they remain part of Spain and France. The Basques were granted the right to speak Euskara, to run their own schools and to practice their culture.
At the same time, many Basques see the continued perceived occupation of their homeland as a great injustice. ETA, a Basque separatist group, or terrorist group according to the US State Department and other government bodies, continues to fight for complete autonomy. The Basques convene their own parliament and both in 2002 and 2006 this parliament reaffirmed their right to self-determination.
The ancient Basques are thought to have worshiped the goddess Mari, and ancient Basque culture was thought to be largely matriarchal. Ancient Basque religion also included a number of mythical figures, including nymphs, giants, genies and supernatural beings who supposedly built the stone circles that dot the landscape. Since the advent of Christianity, Basques have historically been almost entirely Roman Catholic, and a number of prominent saints, including Francis Xavier, have been of Basque descent. Indeed the founder of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius of Loyola, was Basque. In recent years, however, religious attendance has declined sharply, echoing similar changes across the wider region.
The Basques are famous for their close ties to their land and their families. Many Basque surnames are derived from traditional Basque farm names, giving an immediate connection to the land where the people come from. Heritage in Basque culture traditionally places a premium on holding the land together, passing it on to the eldest son. This is one reason why so many Basques, mostly younger men, have made their way out into the wider world to seek their fortune.
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