Korrika
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Korrika, or Race, is an exhibition race held bi-annually in the Basque Country in order to celebrate and support the Basque language.
The race is organised by the AEK, Basque acronym for the Coordinator of Literacy and Basque Promotion, and is usually scheduled to last two weeks. The first Korrika took place in 1980, and every race follows a different course, although it always endeavours to cover a significant proportion of the historical Basque territories. The race, which proceeds continuously without even stopping at night, usually has participation levels of about 600,000 people. In order to raise funds for the promotion of the Basque language, each kilometre of the race is 'sold' to a particular individual or organisation, who will be the figurehead of the race during their purchased kilometre. This race leader relays an engraved wooden stick, preserved from the first race held, and adorned with the Basque flag or Ikurriña.
Behind the race leader, the immediately following participants carry a banner bearing the race slogan Euskal Herria euskalduntzen. Ni ere bai! (Spreading the Basque language. Me too!) The race is conducted in an extremely jovial, uncompetitive spirit, accompanied by music and general fanfare, with roads thronged with spectators. During the period, a great many cultural activities are organised to promote the use of Basque, with the support of the Royal Academy of the Basque Language.
The special theme of the race's 15th edition in 2007 was a tribute to Basque women and the unique role they have played in guaranteeing the language's preservation.
