What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Basque Country

If you're planning on visiting the Basque Country, this video has some helpful tips on what you should know before you go. Hella Basque invited Bart Farrell of Kontatu, an American living in the Basque Country for 8 years, to share his thoughts on what you can expect from your trip. Find out what is unique about the Basque Country, helpful phrases in Euskara to help you get around, what kind of food you can expect to eat in the Basque Country, and where you should go on your visit.
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What is the Basque Country?: • What Is the Basque Cou...
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[@leirezalakain2836]

As a basque person it's so refreshing to see foreigners (and Americans, no less) be so respectful and educated about our culture. Most stuff written about Euskal Herria online is usually quite inaccurate and just treats it as a weird and charming part of Spain, but you guys really acknowledged our identity. Milesker benetan!

[@HellaBasque]

I'm so glad you found this video refreshing! Trying to bring that Basque perspective to English language information on the Basque Country. I agree there's not enough of it! But I'm trying to change that with Hella Basque, poliki poliki

[@AugustoOrthez-co8jv]

GORA EUSKAL HERRIA .... 🥰😍🥰

[@plo173]

"I'm just a tourist with a lot of questions" I want that sentence on my grave.

[@AliceWonders22]

lol she's adorable. Just found her.

[@onlinemusiclessonsadamphil4677]

I'm Scottish of Basque diaspora descent. A load of us arrived in Wales and went to other parts of Britain.

[@HellaBasque]

Very cool!

[@jonathaniraegui6547]

I am a Canadian of Basque ancestry who lived in Bilbao for 3 years. I’ve moved back to Canada since but this makes me miss the Basque Country so much. I can’t wait to go back once we can travel again. Thanks for making this video :)

[@AugustoOrthez-co8jv]

I MISS IT TO MUCH TOO

[@Alejojojo6]

Omg! You're here! Im from Bilbao and lived in the US, in Riverside California for over 2 years!

[@HellaBasque]

Small world! Hope you enjoyed your time in Riverside!

[@LareesieAlice]

Small world. I am in Riverside and also have a brother named "Alex", after our Basque great grandfather "Aleczander".

[@edwardvillate2112]

GREAT MEMORIES for me, This RIGION, I'm from BASQUE ANCESTRY, and I had the PRIVILEGE of leaving as a TEENAGER, there in SANTURCE, last town of the river NERVION , and in VITORIA , ALAVA/RIOJA , and I had a RICH & PLENTIFUL EXPERIENCE of all what the BASQUE CULTURE had to offer , that wood be to many to mention , but """MASSIVE THANKS or this VIDEO""" !!!👌

[@alaskacanoe6837]

In the 1970’s we hired sheep herders that were from Spain but basque … They were so interesting and amazing This was in Utah and Idaho and Nevada that we herded sheep

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

This seems to be such a charming place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!

[@antonycharnock2993]

Kaixo from the UK. I love Spain but especially the Basque country. Visited twice now. First time to Bilbao & Mundaka. All the pintxos and food overwhelmed my senses. I've tried the squid ink croquets, I like my seafood. Second time in September 2019 I explored a bit more visiting Orduna & the Salto de Nervion waterfall, the salt valley, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Elorrio where I visited the Necropolis. Keep meaning to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe & ring that bell. Next time when I can travel again. Berriro ikusiko gara!

[@clementine793]

Elorrio? My last name is Elorriaga:)) Im loving learning more and more about my Basque heritage!

[@HellaBasque]

Definitely a connection there! Glad you're learning more about your Basque heritage and checking out the Hella Basque channel :)

[@jeffreyetxeberria2850]

Hi Anne Marie and Bart, I am glad to see both of you in a Hella Basque KZbin video. Bart, I watched your video about being grateful to be living in Basque Country a year ago or more and I was humbled by what you said. I recommend watching it if you are an American.

[@yanasaintlevie]

Never met anyone that ‘looks’ like me and my family (from Spain & Croatia) and then i found information on the Basque people. They look just like my family. The physical traits are astonishing... the gold ring around the eyes, eyes are green/blue... just our physical traits. We look closely related. It’s crazy.

[@HellaBasque]

Really interesting. Glad you found a kinship! Never heard about this gold ring around the eyes though... Need to read up on what people are saying about Basques' physical traits haha

[@RaymondStudio]

It's so typical here to have that gold ring you mention or green eyes too. Like having the O blood type.

[@Michelle-ld4me]

What do you mean by gold ring around the eyes? I never heard of it and can’t picture it. Do you have a picture?

[@user-py5gy9ty9x]

Going to this beautiful region for the first time in four months... can hardly wait!!!😊

[@AndrewEvenstar]

u ready ? I went in February

[@user-py5gy9ty9x]

@AndrewEvenstar yes. Have even some of the little stuff done. Literally just waiting for the day I get to hop on those plane rides to get there. Very excited!

[@amazingmelanin6588]

Hello from San Francisco, my family & I are thinking of moving to spain. Thank you for this wonderful information. ❤️

[@TelevisionCrews]

Wow, you'll miss the Bay Area!

[@duantorruellas716]

Very cool video , if theres people like these two there , interesting and intelligent , I would love to go there. Some of the words with the Xs reminds me of greek . I want to see saint sebastian and the rest of this place .

[@yeshiahwisdom3142]

Thank you guys...

[@Evanbear1]

Thank you so much for this video! I am going to Sopelana in June to visit a friend who lives there, and it will actually be my first time ever in Europe!

[@HellaBasque]

Have a great trip! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@ufercasgmailcom6468]

I live in Sopelana wtf

[@ufercasgmailcom6468]

Evanbear1

[@rolflin]

@@ufercasgmailcom6468 hahah me too laguntxo!

[@silverkitty2503]

I used to live here. (im not basque) He gives a pretty good explanation.

[@vasonar]

Kaixo from the 408 and 669 area codes!

[@lesvisagastume8250]

I love to learn about Basque country since I found out my last name Sagastume comes from there. Is nice to learn about where your ancestors come from.

[@johnnewton3335]

Excellent video and I agree with everything you say, I love to travel and I love spain, I went to bilbao as it's easy for me from England and the gateway to travelling through spain, as you say public transport is fantastic. my first visit to bilbao was when the Basque country found me! There's a tourist card that can be collected at the airport and is fantastic value, unlimited transport and visitor attractions throughout bilbao. Read the rich history and fables but leave out the politics, that's for another day. Above all its the Basque people, they are the nicest, kindest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. I have met so many great people. Another major fun thing is the cider houses, maybe Helen you could do a video from one? Thanks for the video.

[@hectorsuarez846]

you being from england and as an englishman so glad you enjoyed Bilbao and Spain

[@opalacios666]

Eskerrik asko! Very cool!

[@user-ff7my2vb8s]

Thank you. What a great resource. From 707 Santa Rosa CA.

[@BlazeWindsword]

Nice introduction to the Basque Country

[@HellaBasque]

Thank you :)

[@BlazeWindsword]

@@HellaBasque your always welcome 😎👍

[@deborahalbertson8166]

I have been drawn to the Basque country myself. It must be in My DNA because I'm an O Negative and I hear there's a lot of them there. I have to visit this place.

[@egunezasca2036]

A very very nice video

[@HellaBasque]

Thank you!

[@carrishirley3993]

Hello 👋 I just found you and I'm really enjoying your content. My great grandfather was born in Urepel France ,I have never been but would absolutely love to one day. 😀

[@edurvevtx7319]

Urepel is a beautiful Basque village. Basque Country has 7 territories, 4 under Spain and 3 under France. We are a stateless nation that dreams with our independence.

[@ra1279]

That reminds me of a story. My uncle, who lives in Idaho, came to Oregon to visit my parents and I. They were all born and raised in Viscaya. I BBQ'd t-bone steaks for all of us, but my mother cooked squid in black ink. After eating half of his steak, my uncle gorged on the squid and gave me the other half of his steak. I've never eaten squid as it looks terrible and smells worse, but my parents and uncle finished every ounce of it.

[@anaz5918]

Squid taste very good , you don’t know what you are missing.

[@GreatScottByJoe]

I am basque by blood and dna where is the best place to learn the language and what dialect should I choose anyone with advice it’s deeply appreciated.

[@jesusangelsanchez4135]

Oso polita!!!! :)

[@HellaBasque]

:D

[@vanessarodriguez7601]

Can you do a video on moving to Basque 101?

[@HellaBasque]

Great suggestion! Will have to talk to people who have moved there and get their input

[@vanessarodriguez7601]

Oh yes please. I would absolutely love it!

[@cyberknife82]

My ancestors came from Gipuzkoa. Lazalde!

[@longbowandwarbowcraftingbo2859]

found out 4 years ago my blood type is rh A negative and my family are from Scotland, Ireland and Italy? i wonder if i have any Basque too?

[@MiloManning05]

Irish are basques

[@estephaniey123]

Footage would be nice

[@hantykje3005]

Hi, I have a question about Basque football. Im currently managing Real Sociedad (won La Liga last season btw)in Football Manager, and apparently there is a huge rivaly between this club and Atletic Bilbao, with Osasuna, Alaves and Eibar also beeing rivals. What is the background for these rivalries? I have another question about more touchy issues, the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasun). How does this organization's legacy inflence the Basque region today?

[@josebabilbao7759]

Hi! There is a large rivalry between Athletic and Real Sociedad, however this is mostly a friendly rivalry. The other rivalries are not so famous (especially since Eibar is fairly new to elite football), but they are rivalries nonetheless. There is also a Basque Cup Final every year in which a league table is organised with all the la liga games between Basque teams and the top 2 play a final! (Although this has only been around for a few years) Hope I answered your questions!

[@hantykje3005]

@@josebabilbao7759 Thanks for answering my first question! Do you know or have opinions about my second question? The legacy of ETA today? How does this organization's legacy inflence the Basque region today? Perhaps an uncomfortable question, but it is not meant that way :)

[@josebabilbao7759]

@@hantykje3005 although many people support independence, or greater autonomy, practically no-one was actually in favour of ETA's violence. Obviously there are no longer any members since it has been disbanded. However, some spanish right-wingers state that Basque-Leftist party EH Bildu is a 'reincarnation' of it, since Batasuna, a pro-ETA party have slight links to them, although the grand majority of Bildu are not pro-ETA. One recent incident of 'ETA' was the Alsasua (in Navarra) incident where basically some Basque teens got in a bar fight with some Guardia Civil (Spanish police). Although these kind of fights happen fairly often across the world, these teens were accused of being pro-ETA (even though they no longer existed), and some of those boys weren't even at the bar during the incident. Some of them are still serving prison time a few years later. Just clarifying I am completely against what ETA did Hope this info helps :)

[@hantykje3005]

@@josebabilbao7759 Yes very helpful. Thank you!

[@orlandovelastegui1391]

I believe if you count the people in Latin America with Basque ( Vascones) Heritage you’re look in the 100 million range.

[@ra1279]

True. Outside of Spain, you'll find the most Basques in Argentina.

[@bernardayala1128]

I was told by my grandfather I am Vasco that was in 1964. Recently my DNA test confirmed that. We are direct decendants of Don Juan Francisco Buenaventura De Ayala y Escobar. We are also Koweta (Creek) Indians!

[@charleyjr.iriarte7428]

Do you guys travel freely between Spanish Basque and French Basque?

[@gontzallekzeit2050]

Bai (yes). Il n'y a pas de frontières. Tu peux passer librement à pied, en bagnole ou transporte publique, bien que le Pays Basque est divisé (malheureusement) entre deux Etats.

[@AndrewEvenstar]

yes. I did on a bus. took about an hour

[@charleyjr.iriarte7428]

@@AndrewEvenstar I have a sense of love for Spain and Basque for some reason. I don't even know how to speak either language. I only speak my first language, Pohnpeian, and English. In fact, I probably understand English more than my own first language. I love all people though! Ahahaha

[@juliaclemons62]

Ancestry lead me here and even I'm fucking shook that we favor heavily

[@DeniseEggertwaterlily]

There is nothing but discussion .

[@christianevans5471]

why does Basque use base-20 counting? do a video.

[@ra1279]

I'm not sure they do. Bat, bi, hiru, lau, bost, sei, zazpi, zortzi, bederatzi. That's one through ten. 11=hamaika, 12=hamaBI, 13=hamaHIRU, 14=hamaLAU, 15=hamaBOST, 16=hamaSEI, 17=hamaZAZPI, 18=hamaZORTZI, 19= hemeretzi. 11 and 19 don't match the pattern, but the rest follow a base 10 pattern.

[@rolflin]

@@ra1279 no mate . 40 = berrogei= 2 times 20 60=hirurogei 3 times 20 80= laurogei 4 time 20!!! and so on So he is right we use a 20 multiple based counting system mixed with 10 pattern, very uncommon

[@johncreed2627]

Are Basques Celtic people or a mix?

[@okitatatsumaki2769]

I need to visit my place of origin before I die. Haha

[@isabellemayamercero1735]

You must talk about Navarre too. Its part of the basqur country and everyone always forget.

[@ra1279]

It's easy to forget because people in Navarre don't consider themselves basque.

[@sarribel]

@@ra1279 many do As our culture is Basque. I am a citizen of pamplona/iruñea. The Vociferous, uncultivated Basque haters are mostly Right wing extremist spanish migrants, alongside those living alongside the Ebro river

[@rolflin]

@@ra1279 not all of them ;) agaun the mixed feelings as bart said....

[@rolflin]

@@sarribel hahah totally agree!! NABURROS!

[@charleyarchuleta4932]

I’m “916” “559” Cali

[@doreenvilla830]

So want to visit the Basque country. DNA results? 85% Basque. Need to see my Ancestral roots❤

[@ikeridigoras5548]

Euskal herrian euskaraz!!!!!

[@liqiz1755]

Is it dangerous as Spanish to visit Basque Country?

[@stevethecross2727]

I have to see France before I die there's no way I can be French and never have a chance to step foot on my homelands soil. Bonjour à tout le monde je veux être avec vous autres.

[@thomasrodriguez773]

Ps are you Spanish or French? There isn't any question that you are Basque. Your name is french

[@rolflin]

bart! best partner you can have here ;)

[@03Venture]

I’m dying to go visit Euskarria, but the language and the complex politics absolutely freak me out.

[@veasg]

I lived in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 11 years. Pintxos and tapas are the same fkn thing. The skewer thing he said is rediculous. Madrid is the only place I know of that gives you a free tapa with a drink. Badakaldo is where they do BBK live.

[@DedeZepol]

Pintxos and tapas are similar for a person not used to them, but in fact they are quite different: pintxos are much more elaborated than tapas, that usually are for free (and you can find them in a lot of cities of Spain... Maybe you have been 11 years in Vitoria, but you haven't travel too much...), while you have to pay for pintxos; a pintxo is an individual portion of food, only for one person, while a tapa is usually to share between several people. By the way, I'm from Barakaldo, and BBK Live is in Bilbao, in Kobetamendi (mount "Cobetas") more exactly: www.bilbaobbklive.com/es/experiencias/kobetamendi/

[@rolflin]

maaaaan 11 years and you learned nothing ? XDDD

[@orlandovelastegui1391]

As soon as you said this guys name I knew he wasn’t Basque. Easy to know basque just by their last name. Ortiz, Ayala, Aguirre, Ibarra some names that are Basque. Their too many basque Surnames to list everyone.

[@HellaBasque]

Let's not forget some Basque people don't have Basque last names :)

[@rolflin]

@@HellaBasque some of us are from mixed heritage with families tied to euskalherria since more than 200 years. My last names are all mixed between basque, castilian, aragonese

[@jiensuyang3915]

Basque discovered him??😂😂😂 no matter where these ppl go they embarrass themselves

[@FearEeatsTheSoul]

Who TF names there Kid BART FARREL?

[@canismajoris6733]

Why do Americans think that anything other than deep fried cheese sounds horrible?

[@ikeridigoras5548]

Stop making videos abou our culture without knowing who we are

[@candymigu]

Please stay biscanos tontos

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Most important tip for an American visiting the Basque country? Lower the volume of your speech!