Elkarlanean

Basque music encompasses the musical practices of the Basque Country (Euskal Herria) and the Basque people, spanning repertoire in the Basque language (Euskara), instrumental folk traditions, choral practices, and contemporary popular styles. Rooted in rural dances and communal singing, it features distinctive instruments such as the txalaparta (paired wooden percussion), trikitixa (diatonic button accordion with tambourine), alboka (double-reed hornpipe), and txistu (three‑hole flute with tamboril). Characteristic dance forms include zortziko (often asymmetrical 5 or 10-beat groupings), fandango, and arin-arin. Since the late 20th century, Basque music has diversified to include singer‑songwriter currents, folk-revival ensembles, radical Basque rock, jazz, reggae, electronic fusions, and indie scenes—while maintaining strong ties to tradition, community ritual, and the Basque language.