Origins and Meanings of the Basque Flag, the Ikurriña

Curious to learn more about the Basque Country? In this video, I'm going over where the Basque flag came from, why it's called the ikurriña in Euskera, the Basque language, and some theories about its many meanings and symbolism. This flag is prevalent not only in many parts of the Basque Country, but also it is widely used in the Basque diaspora all around the world. Discover it's not-so-distant origin story in this video.

Photo credits: Heralder, Jens Pattke

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[MrDmbobcat]

Theory 2! I would say flag colors were prety formal back then. Red is said to symbolizes strength and valor and would be a very nationalist color. I see a similarity to the people of Japan pre ww2 where, I would say any basque would be willing to die fighting for their nation. So id say it symbolizes blood in that sense. So the blood of the Basque people protected by the land and lead by God.

[montimuros]

As a Galician, I've always been interested in Basque culture and history, but now I'm really convinced to learn euskara! I have to perfect my Portuguese and Catalan first though :)

[Eras]

Hey! I live in Johnson County and have loved watching your videos. Learning more about the Basque that I didn’t get to learn from my grandfather. My great great grandparents came from the France side of the Basque Country. Every 7 years we celebrate the Basque culture in Johnson County and all the families come together and have an amazing time!!

[xme]

Hi there. You will see often the lauburu over the ikurrigna. Or even the "Zazpiak bat" : that's beautiful when you see all seven provinces United in one symbol, each province represented by its own coat of arms.

[hiartbarruetabena]

Hi there!!! I'm from Gernika (Bizkaia) and I've been told/tought that white represents religion, Green represents the greenery/ nature that we are surrounded by and red represents all the Blood/deth/humiliation that bask people have suffered defending our land, lenguage and culture.
Jarraitu horrela!!! Thanks for teaching the world about our lenguage and culture

[glenking]

Excellent video. Spent a lot of time in the marvellous Basque country many years ago. Always admired the determination and tenacity of its proud people. The flag is a magnificent statement of the attributes of the region historical, present and future. I was led to believe whilst there that the cross is the Catholic connection, the green is of its countryside and the red is the blood of the Basque population. Spilt or otherwise! Keep up the good work it's empowering I am sure.

[chrisgreenspon]

In La Puente (So Cal) there was a Basque restaurant, and a Basque handball club.

[magiadeterra]

I was told the same thing about the flag. Red and white for the houses and green for Pyrenees.

[kitbruttig]

My wife, Lia de las Carreras is of Basque Heritage via Buenos Aires Argentina. Looking forward to attending the Basque Festival in Buffalo Wyoming.

[teresawahl]

Also every province and town has its own flag and coat of arms.

[jeffreyhooker]

Hi Anne Marie, How interesting that Johnson County WY. has the Basque colors and design. I didn’t know. I appreciate all you do for the diaspora.

[teresawahl]

Sorry. To clarify my previous comment, besides the ikurriña, each province as well as its corresponding capital city has its own flag. Also, each town has its own distinctive coat of arms as well.

[franciscojaviercepero]

This is the flag of the most beutiful autonomus communities of spain ❤💚🤍🇪🇸🇪🇸

[iberia]

The flag is beautiful. Also I think that in an island called sant pierre et miquelon, it flag has the basque flag

[MrDmbobcat]

FUN WITH FLAGS The origin of the Senyera is pretty cool as well and hey more blood haha.

[CruelusRex]

The shape of the ikurriña is not necessarily based on the Union Jack, at least not exclusively. It's more likely taken from the Kingdom of Navarre's (and modern day Navarre) flag, which has the same pattern.

[warrior]

¡Aúpa!
Indeed, the red of the flag represents the blood of enemy soldiers spilled during the battle of Arrigorriaga (or Padura). Arrigorriaga means: "place of red stones" (red because of blood). This battle which took place in the 9th century (probably mythical, we do not really know) was a screening victory of the Bizkaians against the Asturians. It is no wonder that Sabino Arana, who despised the Castilians, made reference to this battle.

[abiyeye]

Grato saludarte lastimosamente no hablo EUSKERA pero soy euskaldunak de la coronilla a los dedos de los pies GORA ESUKALHERRIA ASKATATUTA PATRIA VASKA Y LIBERTAD

[spasojegrkic]

Kaixo! Oso informazio interesgarriak eman dizkiguzu!

[villaruego]

I'm from Bilbao and here we say tha the red represents Bizkaia, the green the independence and the white to God.