15th edition of race to boost Basque language kicks off

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Korrika, race to boost Basque language

Korrika, the race in favor of the Basque language, kicked off Thursday (March 22). It will cover 2,150 kilometers and go through more than 280 villages of the Basque Country.

This time "Korrika" pays tribute to Basque women, underlining the importance and the essential role women play in transmitting the Basque language.

All over different periods, it has been women who have struggled against the laws contrary to the Basque language, with great strength and courage, and it has been them who have kept, maintained and transmitted the language orally in Basque homes.

This year the race will last 10 days and will go from Karrantza harana/Valle de Carranza to Pamplona/Iruña. More than 600,000 people are expected to participate, as in previous editions. The race will reach Pamplona April 1.