As the weather gets warmer and photos of European summers flood social media feeds, many Americans are missing vacations abroad.
However, with high airfare prices, it may seem impossible to turn your European summer dream into reality.
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For those looking to experience the traditions and culture of Spain or France without traveling to Europe, a remote location in Nevada could be the answer.
The small town of Winnemucca is home to people of Basque heritage, originally from northern Spain and parts of France.
The Basque region, comparable to the size of Rhode Island, lies on the border of the two European countries.
It includes the seven provinces of Araba, Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa and Navarre on the Spanish side; Laburdi, Zuberoa and Behe-Nafarroa on the French side, according to the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada.
Their native language, Euskara, is dying, as only 25% of the population speaks it fluently.
The Basque people began immigrating to the U.S. in 1850, during the California Gold Rush, according to Winnemucca official website.
HISTORY OF BASQUE CULTURE
The Basques are the oldest surviving ethnic group in Europe, so historians have struggled to directly trace their roots.
They are believed to have descended from sheep herders, as Basque is suggested to be correlated with the term.
The group was largely isolated due to its location in the Pyrenees Mountains.
Later, Basques began immigrating around the world, and many settled in Nevada because of the land opportunities, said a director of the Center for Basque Studies. Smithsonian Magazine.
Although generations have passed, Basque culture remains alive and well in the small town of Winnemucca.
UNIQUE KITCHEN
Winnemucca has the highest Basque gastronomic opportunities per capita in the region, making it a cultural hot spot.
Meals are typically served family style and incorporate traditional Basque ingredients.
At the Hotel Martindiners can order a variety of traditional dishes, including Solomo, which is a boneless pork loin cooked with fresh garlic and peppers.
The menu also includes sweet breads, fried prawns and liver with onions.
The restaurant has a rich history, having been built between 1898 and 1908 by a man called Alfaonso Pasquale.
What is Basque culture?
The Basque ethnic group originates from a small region that borders Spain and France.
They speak a language called Euskara, although only 25% of the population speaks it fluently.
Although their culture is similar to that of European regions, the Basques were isolated due to their proximity to the Pyrenees mountain range and therefore have distinct traditions from the rest of Spain.
Basque cuisine is unique and differs from French or Spanish food. Culinary staples include pinxtos and Basque beans.
Those of Basque heritage have immigrated all over the world and many reside in the US, with a concentration in Winnemucca, Nevada.
It was then acquired in 1913 by a French couple and was later owned and managed by Basque families.
According to hotel websiteall dinners are served in the traditional Basque tradition with beans, side dishes and bread pudding.
Food aside, Basque culture is prominent throughout the Winnemucca area and is even celebrated every June with an annual festival.
This year’s festival took place a few weeks ago and included a parade, games and dancing.
TAKE A TRIP TO WINNEMUCCA
In addition to Basque culture, Winnemucca’s location provides access to a multitude of activities and resources.
For those looking to participate in outdoor activities, Winnemucca is conveniently located in the heart of the Great Basin.
Visitors can explore hot springs or hike one of the many scenic trails.
Water Canyon Recreation Area offers overnight camping, picnicking, hiking, biking and limited ATV use for those looking to connect with nature.
Those traveling in the spring months can visit Hinkey Summit in the Santa Rose Range.
Winnemuca also has a variety of casinos for visitors and locals to test their luck.
Visitors looking for a different gastronomic experience can check out The Pig Barbecue and Pub for a barbecue or grab some Mexican food at Of friends.
To learn more about Winnemucca’s history, visitors can visit the Humboldt County Museum.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
