24. Korrika iritsi da!
“Euskara gara!” “Ttipi Ttapa, Ttipi Ttapa, Korrika!” “Hemen gaude, euskararen alde!”
Maybe you’ve heard one of these catch phrases or have joined in saying them. Or, maybe they are all new to you. Either way, we are so excited to share them with you as we prepare and celebrate Korrika 2026 both in Euskal Herria and in our diaspora communities across North America.
What is Korrika?
According to Korrika’s official website, KORRIKA is a popular race all around the Basque Country, organized by AEK, a popular Basque language school in the Basque Country, to promote the Basque language. Its objective is twofold: on one hand, to promote awareness of the language, and on the other to raise funds to enable the AEK Basque language schools to continue their everyday teaching work. There have now been 24 editions of KORRIKA in the last 45 years, and on 19th March, 2026 a new edition set off in the Basque Country, which will span more than 2,500 km over 11 days non-stop for the Basque language.
Participants and groups of all ages and from all walks of life in the Basque country pay to run a specific kilometer of the race as it passes through all 7 provinces of the Basque Country. This year, the race started in Atharratze, Xiberoa and will end on March 29th in Bilbao, Bizkaia. As they run, the participants carry a baton which they pass from hand to hand, kilometer after kilometer. The baton holds a secret message inside which is not revealed until the last moment, when it is read out at the finish line of the race.
Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to have taken part in KORRIKA over the years. These numbers and the impact generated by KORRIKA show just how committed Basque society is to its language
KORRIKA has become a much-loved, eagerly-awaited event that gets all of Basque society up and running every two years. Participation has increased every year and thousands of people volunteer to help organize it by joining the committees set up in different towns and neighborhoods, while hundreds of cultural and fun activities take place along the way.
Watch the live feed of the 2026 Korrika here!!
What about in North America?
Despite the main race happening in the Basque Country, KORRIKA is celebrated all over the world in many different Basque Communities, including those in North America. Many Euskal Etxeak have organized their own mini Korrika races or cultural celebrations, including in Washington D.C., Quebec, Reno (all on March 21st), as well as in New York City, Boise, Boston, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City (all on March 28th) , among smaller celebrations and individuals participating through videos (see NABO Euskara students here! - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWF2WJVEVJI/) and support across the continent.
It is truly incredible to see so many people coming together to celebrate and promote the Basque language.
How can I participate?
To learn more information about Korrika, to purchase merchandise, make donations, or to watch videos and/or the livestream of the race happening RIGHT NOW in the Basque Country, see Korrika’s website. https://www.korrika.eus/en/
To participate in an in person event near you, please see the following links for more information:
New England Basque Club - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUlcEaLilHO/
New York Basque Club - follow them on instagram or check out their website for details!
Basque Club of Utah - https://www.instagram.com/p/DV1WY10gGnW/?img_index=1
Boise Basque Museum and Cultural Center / Boise State Basque Studies /Boiseko Ikastola - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWFSYFqiKa7/
Reno Basque Club - https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6kGQCD0z5/?img_index=1
San Fransisco Basque Cultural Center - check out their instagram and website for details!
Washington, D.C. Basque Club - contact their club for more information on how to get involved!
Quebec Euskaldunak - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWHIR9wmm5a/?img_index=1
Basque Cultural Club at Florida International Univ. - basqueculturalclub@gmail.com
Colorado Euskal Etxea - to participate in their virtual event check out this flyer and fill out this form by March 31st!
And of course, you are always welcome to support our Basque Language by sharing your pride with those around you, especially during this incredible event. Euskara gara!
