Korrika Munduan to connect with the Basque community abroad

The motto for the 24th Korrika, taking place from March 19th to 29th, is ‘Euskara gara’ (We are Euskara). Once again, the race will extend beyond the Basque Country, reaching internationally through collaboration with the Etxepare Basque Institute. The Euskal Etxeak (Basque centres) around the globe, Basque language teachers and students from the university network and, in general, the community of Basque speakers in the diaspora, will join in the activities planned around Korrika to shine a spotlight on the Basque language.

Once again this year, the Korrika Munduan initiative will organise Korrikas (fun runs) in numerous places beyond the Basque Country. The aim is to strengthen and elevate the profile of the community of thousands who learn, use, and value the Basque language. This initiative also seeks to promote the international image of Basque and show that it is a living language with an active community that is looking to the future.

In collaboration with the Etxepare Basque Institute, this edition is once again launching a video contest as part of Korrika Munduan. The contest will have two categories: videos sent in by members of Euskal Etxeak Basque centres around the world, and videos sent in by students and teachers from the Etxepare Basque Institute´s network of university language and culture programmes. Twelve people took part in the 23rd edition of Korrika, with Julio Jiménez winning in the Euskal Etxeak category and Owen Wilson winning in the university network category. 

In addition to the video contest, AEK-Korrika has launched a challenge to support the Basque language, recognising the challenges minority languages face in maintaining their number of speakers. AEK has proposed the challenge of conveying the message that not only Basque speakers but also minority language communities worldwide should be able to live comfortably in their own language.

Along the same lines, this year will also see Korrika Ahizpak (sister races) held in support of Breton, Occitan and Catalan. The Corellengua, supporting Catalan, will run from April 19th to May 5th; La Passem, supporting Occitan, will take place from April 30th to May 9th; and Ar Redadeg, supporting Breton, will be held from May 8th to 16th.

Euskara also takes the world stage

Thousands of people around the world are learning and using Euskara. Korrika is celebrated in various countries, in both in large cities and small towns. Each location organises its own events: symbolic routes, passing the lekukoa (baton) from hand to hand, cultural activities, music, talks, and meetings, among other activities. But they all share a common foundation: putting the Basque language at the centre. In this way, they spread the message in support of the Basque language worldwide while also highlighting the strength of their linguistic community.