The Basques are an ethnic group indigenous to the Basque Country, which is located in the western Pyrenees Mountains straddling the border between France and Spain. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their distinct language, Euskara, which is unrelated to any other known language. Over the years, the Basques have produced many famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of top 10 famous people from the Basques ethnic:
- Pedro de Ursúa: This Basque conquistador played a key role in the exploration and colonization of the Americas during the 16th century. He participated in several expeditions, including the famous journey of Lope de Aguirre along the Amazon River.
- Ignatius of Loyola: Born in Azpeitia, Spain, Ignatius of Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He was a theologian, priest, and writer who had a significant impact on the Counter-Reformation movement in Europe during the 16th century.
- Ignacio Zuloaga: A prominent Basque painter, Zuloaga is known for his realistic portraits and scenes depicting Spanish customs and traditions. He was a key figure in the Spanish artistic movement known as the “Costumbrismo.”
- Severo Ochoa: Born in Spain and of Basque descent, Ochoa was a biochemist and molecular biologist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his discovery of the mechanism in the biological synthesis of RNA and DNA.
- Sabino Arana: Considered the father of Basque nationalism, Arana was a writer, politician, and founder of the Basque Nationalist Party. He played a crucial role in the revival of Basque cultural identity and the promotion of the Basque language.
- Antonio de Trueba: Known for his work as a writer and poet, Trueba was one of the most important figures in Basque literature during the 19th century. He wrote numerous books and poems, often drawing inspiration from Basque folklore and traditions.
- MarÃa Cristina de Habsburgo-Lorena: MarÃa Cristina was the queen consort of Spain during the reign of her husband, Alfonso XII. Although she was Austrian by birth, she was of Basque descent through her mother. MarÃa Cristina played an active role in Spanish politics and the regency of her son, Alfonso XIII.
- Teresa de Calcuta: Better known as Mother Teresa, she was of Basque origin through her father. Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
- Xabi Alonso: A famous Spanish footballer, Alonso was born in the Basque town of Tolosa. He had a successful career playing for clubs such as Real Sociedad, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, as well as the Spanish national team. Alonso is known for his exceptional passing and technical skills.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: Another talented footballer from the Basque Country, Arrizabalaga currently plays as a goalkeeper for Chelsea FC in the English Premier League. He has represented Spain at international level and has earned a reputation for his agility and shot-stopping abilities.
Most Famous Basques Celebrities
The Basque Country, a region located in the northern part of Spain and the southwestern part of France, is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique identity. Over the years, it has produced many famous celebrities who have made their mark in various fields. Here are some well-known celebrities with Basque roots:
- Penélope Cruz: Born in Alcobendas, Spain, Penélope Cruz is one of the most renowned Spanish actresses. She has won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”
- Fernando Llorente: Born in Pamplona, Spain, Fernando Llorente is a professional footballer who has played for various top clubs including Athletic Bilbao, Juventus, and Tottenham Hotspur. He has also represented the Spanish national team.
- Antoine Griezmann: Born in Mâcon, France, Antoine Griezmann is a French professional footballer of Basque descent. He has played for top clubs such as Real Sociedad and Barcelona, and has also been a key player for the French national team.
- Itziar Ituño: Born in Basauri, Spain, Itziar Ituño is a Basque actress known for her role as Raquel Murillo in the popular Spanish TV series “Money Heist.” She has also acted in several Basque-language films and theater productions.
- Julio Medem: Julio Medem is a Spanish film director and screenwriter with Basque ancestry. He has gained critical acclaim for his films such as “Lovers of the Arctic Circle” and “Sex and Lucia,” which often explore themes of love, identity, and the Basque conflict.
These talented individuals have not only achieved success in their respective fields but have also proudly represented their Basque heritage on a global stage. From the world of acting to sports and filmmaking, Basque celebrities continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact.
Explore the rich tapestry of celebrities with Basques ancestry listed above. Delve into the fascinating world of their diverse cultural backgrounds and achievements. For a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the latest celebrity news and updates on renowned figures from various fields, immerse yourself in the content available at Wikipedia.org.
Factsheet About Basques People
| Country | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2,350,000 | 5.0% |
| France | 1,000,000 | 1.5% |
| United States | 600,000 | 0.2% |
| Argentina | 500,000 | 1.0% |
| Mexico | 300,000 | 0.3% |
References to the Basques Ethnic Group
-
The Basque people are native to the region in northeastern Spain and southwestern France commonly known as the Basque Country.
-
To dig deeper about the Basque ethnic group, you can explore books such as “The Basque History of the World” by Mark Kurlansky and “The Basques: The Franco Years and Beyond” by Julio Arrieta.
-
You can also refer to academic articles and research papers on Basque studies available through databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost.
-
Additionally, websites like EuskoSare, the official website of the Basque Government, provide information on Basque culture, history, and identity.
-
For a more comprehensive understanding of the Basque language, EuskoNews, an online newspaper dedicated to promoting Basque culture, offers articles, interviews, and news related to the Basque language and its revival efforts.
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Basques, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
