‘One of the biggest events in the state’ has canceled, won’t return to Boise until 2025

Jaialdi is going on hiatus until 2025.

Already postponed twice, the popular Basque festival in Boise has been canceled in 2022. Normally held every five years, the last Jaialdi happened in 2015, drawing tens of thousands to celebrate Basque culture. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the festival to be postponed in 2020, and again in 2021. The latest plan was for July 2022.

Instead, organizers will revive the tradition in 2025.

“Jaialdi is one of the biggest events in the state,” Jaialdi board member Amy Wray said in a press release. “This celebration typically attracts everyone from small children to elderly grandparents, as well as a large contingent of visitors from overseas. We couldn’t find a path forward that would keep all of our attendees safe without severely curtailing access to the event or limiting its scope.”

Refund details for events planned at Expo Idaho are still being completed. All other refunds have been processed, according to the release. Travelers should contact hotels and airlines directly about plans affected by the cancellation.

“We want to make it very clear that Jaialdi has not been canceled forever,” Wray said. “We will return to our normal schedule in 2025, and we’re looking forward to finally celebrating with friends, family, and enthusiasts from around the world.”

Started in Boise in 1987, Jaialdi is one of the world’s largest Basque festivals. Its five-year rotation began in 1990.

Organizers will provide more information at jaialdi.com and on Jaialdi’s Facebook and Instagram profiles soon, according to the release.

This story was originally published November 19, 2021 at 10:39 AM.