Basque Festival
Food
Compilation of Basque Recipes:
The txoko is a type of gastronomical society (i.e. a cultural function relating to food consumption) commonly found in Basque communities, and vital to the preparation and presentation of Basque food at festivals. Cooking and eating in a communal manner is a popular practice in Basque society, especially in the context of the typically male-dominant txoko. Txokos function in a similar way to groups such as fraternities in the United States, with a small group of similar minded people coming together, forming a constitution of their goals and values, along with involving membership fees and a central restaurant which members operate out of. The txoko itself represented a move from rural to urban concerns within the Basque diaspora, becoming more important as the world has become more globalized. As the years have gone on, the once male-exclusive txokos have welcomed women in, and the act of cooking has been participated in by outsiders to the cultural in order to encourage similar practices in the home (Hess).
Wine is, somewhat, not considered alcohol to many members of the Basque culture. Children often partake in the consumption of wine during events such as the festival, albeit not in large doses. It is a communal thing in the same way as the consumption of food, with the sharing of wine being a friendly display of courtesy. White is typically worn to the Basque festival due to the fact that a whine stained shirt is seen as a badge of honor. It is almost representative of someone having a good time, of fully enveloping themselves in the culture and leaving formalities at the door.
