Korrika

The Basque Language is currently in a delicate and unsafe situation. Certainly, according to UNESCO, it is said to be in danger of extinction in various areas.[8] As a matter of fact, the Basque language is not considered an official language in certain areas.[9] However, this non-competitive relay race brings the whole territory together through a joyful and cheery atmosphere for the two weeks in which it is held.[10]

During Franco's dictatorship lasting for 40 years, the Basque language underwent a rapid decline through a long period of oppression.[11] Basque people were even punished by the Spanish police for speaking the only language they knew in public, arguing that it was a language contrary to modernization. Moreover, speaking Basque was also prohibited in schools, where children were often punished (even physically) if caught talking Basque.[12] A majority of linguists analyzing the situation agrees that the language policies applied by Spain and France against Basque have greatly damaged the position the language shows today.[11][13]

Concerned by the weakening of the language, people started creating clandestine organizations where Basque was taught.[14] The newly created Basque movement put together the association AEK for the teaching and alphabetization of the language. Once the dictatorship was over, a group of Basque innovators started working on the project that is nowadays one of the strongest held in the Basque territory: Korrika. Their main idea was to carry their claim across the territory, instead of concentrating all the people on the same area.[15] The first edition set off, among criticism on the 'foolishness' of the idea, in Oñati on November 29, 1980 and concluded on December 7th in Bilbao.[15]

Korrika is usually scheduled to last ten days. The first Korrika took place in 1980, and since, every race has followed a different route, although it always endeavours to cover a significant proportion of the historical Basque territories. The race, which proceeds continuously without even stopping during the night, has approximately a participation level of about 600,000 people.[16]

In order to raise funds for the promotion of the Basque language, each kilometre of the race is 'sold' to a particular individual or organization, who will be the figurehead of the race during their purchased kilometre.[17] This race leader relays a wooden baton, preserved from the first race held, and adorned with the Basque flag or Ikurriña. The first baton was designed by Remigio Mendiburu and it can be seen in San Telmo Museum, San Sebastián.[18] The current baton was designed by the sculptor Juan Gorriti. Every edition, the organizers of Korrika include a secret message in the baton, which is read at the end of the festival, after it has been passed hand by hand, through thousands of Basque speakers. It has always been considered an honour to carry the baton for which different organisations "buy" kilometres to support the Basque language as well as its supporter, AEK.

Behind the race leader, the immediately following participants carry a banner bearing the race slogan, that changeson every edition. The race is conducted in an extremely jovial, uncompetitive spirit, accompanied by music and general fanfare, with roads thronged with spectators. Each edition has its own song, made by different and recognized artists.[19] During the period, a great many cultural activities are organised to promote the use of Basque,[20] with the support of the Royal Academy of the Basque Language.

Since its inception Korrika has made a different course every time, with a motto and a song.[21]

The Korrika has since inspired similar events in other European countries:

• Ar Redadeg in Brittany (since 2008)[42]
• Correllengua in Catalonia (since 1993)[3]
• Correlingua in Galicia (since 1997)[43]
• Corsa d'Aran in the Vall d'Aran (since 1993)[44]
• Ras yr Iaith in Wales (starting in 2014)[3]
• Rith in Ireland (since 2010)[45]

• Official website
• Report in English