Celebrate Jaialdi 2025, Then Detour to McCall for a Mountain-Lake Escape

Every five years, the unmistakable energy of a global celebration comes to life in Idaho. It’s called Jaialdi, and if you’ve never been, 2025 is your year.

When National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler named Boise one of the top places to travel in 2025, they weren’t just talking about the scenery. This year, the city will host Jaialdi. But what exactly is Jaialdi?

The word Jaialdi means “festival” in Basque, and this event is precisely that. This five-day festival, which occurs every five years, is a massive celebration of Basque culture, heritage, and tradition in the heart of downtown Boise.

Hosted during the last week of July to coincide with the Boise Basque community’s celebration of San Ignatius de Loyola, the patron saint of the Basque people, this year’s celebration will take place starting 07.29.25 through 08.03.25. Drawing upwards of 30,000 attendees worldwide, the anticipation for this year’s festival is palpable as it will be the first Jaialdi to return after a decade.

What’s the connection? How did Boise develop strong ties to the Basque Country, a region spanning northern Spain and southwestern France, so much so it hosts Jaialdi? It may surprise some, but Boise is home to one of the largest Basque communities in the United States.

Similar to the Irish in Boston and Italians in New York, the Basques established their roots and left a lasting cultural imprint on Idaho’s capital. This connection dates back to the mid-1800s when Basque immigrants came to the United States during the gold rush and later found work as shepherds and ranchers. As the second and third waves of Basques immigrated to Idaho, they began establishing boarding houses. Many settled on Grove Street between Sixth Street and Capitol Boulevard, which is now known as Basque Block, making Boise the perfect host for this quinquennial festival.

Truthfully, it’s more than a festival. It’s a cultural immersion into the Basque community. Throughout those five days, you can embrace and learn about their heritage and traditions. Whether you’re Basque by heritage or simply curious, there’s a daily action-packed itinerary filled with live music and dance performances from international Basque groups, traditional Basque sports, authentic cuisine, and cultural exhibitions. And a majority of the Jaialdi events are free, with the exception of ticked events such as sport nights and larger performances such as Dantzaldi and Festara.

After five days of celebration, you may be tempted to book your flight home and start planning for Jaialdi 2030. However, just a scenic two-hour drive north of Boise is Shore Lodge, where your detour destination begins. Featured in Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo’s Unpack ’25 Travel Trends report, detour destinations are all about discovering quieter, soul-soothing spots that complement your main trip. And Shore Lodge is the perfect place to unwind after Jaialdi.

Unlike Boise, McCall provides that rustic, small-town mountain-lake escape you can’t get in the city. And because of our unique geographical location, you can be lounging lakeside one moment and exploring our vast backcountry the next, making this the ideal summer detour destination.

Situated right on the shores of Payette Lake, you can be in your Lake Front Suite and dipping your toes in crystal clear waters within a minute. No exaggeration. Being the only resort in McCall with this proximity to the lake makes staying cool this season and making a splash all the easier, especially with our marina. Our marina is equipped with all the fun water rentals you may want. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, chartered tours on a pontoon boat, and even water skis are available if you want to slice through the water.

But perhaps you’re seeking another kind of adventure. One that preferably keeps you on the dryer side. Less than a 10-minute drive from us is Ponderosa State Park, a 1,500-acre recreational area where you can explore popular local hiking and mountain biking trails like the Payette Lake Peninsula Trail and Meadow Marsh Loop. Don’t forget to pack a light lunch to enjoy a picnic among soaring Ponderosa Pines, scenic views, and the tranquility of our grand outdoors.

Or if you’re looking for more leisurely pursuits after a five-day celebration, we’ve got that covered, too. McCall is home to numerous hot springs where you can plunge into a soothing soak, such as the rustic and charming Gold Fork Hot Springs or the more rural Trail Creek Hot Springs. Add these remote destinations to your radar. Or you could always soak in our outdoor hot tubs or immersion pools at The Cove directly on property. Bonus: you’ll get to enjoy a spa treatment if you choose to soak at The Cove.

Jaialdi is an experience unlike any other, allowing you to dive deep into the vibrant culture of the Basque community in Boise. And if you get the opportunity to detour to McCall, we’ll be waiting for you at Shore Lodge.

Learn more about the Basque community in Idaho by visiting the following resources: VisitBoise, VisitIdaho, FromBoise, & National Geographic.