A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE RENO ZAZPIAK BAT BASQUE CLUB

The Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque club was founded in September of 1966. The club began with 33 people contributing $3.00 each for membership dues. The first club function was the San Martin Dance which was held that year in November. The tradition of this dance has continued throughout the club's history. The club celebrated its first picnic in August of 1967. The picnic was modeled after the first Basque festival in the United States, which was held in 1959 in Sparks, NV. The members of the club invited the San Francisco Dance group and their Klika to perform at the picnic. The picnic also included traditional Basque sports such as soka tira (tug of war), wood chopping, and weight lifting. Shortly after the first picnic the members of the club formed a dance group. This dance group still performs at Basque festivals and other cultural events throughout the western United States. Other activities that were sponsored by the club included an annual bus trip to Los Banos, CA for their Basque picnic and an annual mus tournament. The club currently has a membership of 200-250 people. Several activities that the members began in the 1960's are still held each year. If you would like information about becoming a member of the club please send e-mail to: renobasqueclub@powernet.net