While towns in Gipuzkoa and Biscay celebrate the festival of their patron saint San Inazio (born in Loyola, Azpeitia, in 1491) Boise's Basques simultaneously mark this yearly event.

On the eve of St Ignatius Day (coinciding with his death on July 31st) the streets of Boise become packed out with "revelers come for the Saturday evening street dance"; this huge party features traditional and modern music and goes on long into the night.

Other traditionally Basque festival highlights include dance performances from the Oinkari Basques Dancers and the often heated but good spirited 'Pala' championships.

The most typically Basque activity, however, is the coming together of family and friends to enjoy such traditional fare as "chorizo sausage, friend croquettes, and a grilled sandwich called a 'Salomo'."