San Juan Eguna Basque Festival
Txoko Ona | Saturday | June 22, 2024
When the sun goes down on San Juan Eguna, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, many a bonfire is set ablaze in the Basque Country to mark the celebration.
Txoko Ona has brought this unique celebration to Homedale.
Join us for the San Juan Eguna Basque Festival at Txoko Ona on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
1:00 PM | Tony Larrocea 8 King Mus Tournament
5:00 PM | Gates Open
6:00 - 7:30 PM | Dance & Musical Performances
7:30 PM | Children & Adult Games
Live Music to follow
Sunset | Bonfire & Performance of San Juan Zortziko
Whether you are Basque or Basque-at-heart, come join us for a unique festival experience!
The festival will feature food, beverages, dance and musical performances, games for children and adults, live music, and a bonfire!
This is a FREE, family-friendly event. Chairs and shade canopies are welcome.
Please leave pets and outside food and beverages at home.
Mus: contact John Lejardi to learn more about the tournament. (208) 573-2495
VOLUNTEER
Join our team as a volunteer at this year’s festival! Your help is invaluable in making a difference. Let's create something special together!
DESSERT AUCTION
Calling all bakers! Help us sweeten this year’s festival by donating your delectable desserts! Whether it's your famous cookies or a show-stopping cake, every contribution counts. Share your culinary creations and join us in making this event a success!
SPONSOR
We're seeking sponsors to partner with us in making the festival a success! By becoming a sponsor, you'll not only gain visibility but also contribute to a meaningful cause. Join us in creating an unforgettable experience while making a positive impact on our community.
About San Juan Eguna
When the sun goes down on June 23rd, many a bonfire is set ablaze to mark San Juan Eguna, the feast day of St. John the Baptist.
Basques became Christianized around the 8th century by most estimates. In an earlier time, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, must have seemed magical and it spawned a wide assortment of rituals throughout Europe. In the case of the Basques, we are not certain what those pre-Christian rituals were, but what has survived is their rough form with a new Christian context. Thus, what we now know as San Juan Eguna, the day of St. John the Baptist, seems likely to have been adaptations of earlier rituals marking a day when it seemed as if the sun stood still in the sky.
The arrival of San Juan Eguna is marked by parties, festivals, neighborhood rituals, and of course the omnipresent bonfires. There are many places in the Basque Country that celebrate this holiday in big ways or it can be as simple as a group of neighbors joining together to build a bonfire. In addition, herbs are gathered on the morning of San Juan and kept throughout the year. Legend has it that the ashes cure skin diseases and that one should jump the fire a minimum of three times to have a good year.
For some, it still marks a special day on their religious calendar. For others, the rituals of San Juan Eguna still serve as a way of bringing the community together.