#beskoitze

[beautiful-basque-country]

Kaskarotak in Beskoitze (Lapurdi).

Nowadays, the name kaskarotak is used for folklore dancers that come out during the mardi gras in certain villages of Iparralde.

Originally though, kaskarotak were an ethnic minority of Romani origin: for some authors they were mix-raced of Roma and Moor, and for some other of Roma and Agote.

Anyways, it is known kaskarot men were sailors and fishermen, while women were fish sellers, well-known by their gift of the gab and dark beauty. Kaskarotak - unlike other minorities in EH like kalderash - weren't nomadic and were seen as better adapted to Basque society, being excluded from laws that implied the forced exit of nomadic groups out of certain towns.

Kaskarotak were also known by their colorful costumes and love for dancing, and although kaskarotak were completely assimilated by the 19th century, their costumes, dances, and name remained in these dancers.

[ongi-etorri]

Ongi etorri, Peio!

[beautiful-basque-country]

Source

A lovely battle between Basque dance association Oinak Arin from Beskoitze (Lapurdi) and the Irish dancers of the Gohery school of dancing. Filmed last summer.

The Basque and the Irish sharing our special connection again!