A Short Introduction to the Basque

January 12, 2013

Do you know who has the oldest known language in the world? Do you know the origin of the sailors who sailed with Columbus? Know where that "jaunty" little black beret came from?

The Basque people live in the northern part of Spain and the southern part of France, which are divided by the Pyrenees Mountains. They have the oldest language in the world. Its origins have not been discovered.

The Basque people are renowned for their sailing abilities, and they sailed with Columbus. They even had fishing camps here on the continent of North America before the Vikings arrived.

And that little black beret? It comes from the Basques.

There is a large colony of Basque people here in the United States in Idaho. They have a museum and annual celebrations there. If you can't get away and would like to taste a little of the Basque culture here in Kansas City, visit La Bodega. The food is great. You'll like it!

Beverly S.
North Independence Branch