Udako Besta
End of Summer Festival
Dates: Saturday, August 23 - Sunday, August 24
Location
599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Join Us
Basque Films, Pilota Matches, Aperitifa, Dantzaldia - Free Entry
Meals:
Adults - $45 I Under 12 - $20
RSVP and Payments accepted through August 16
Online Payment Link
or
Mail Check to: Basque Cultural Center, P.O. Box 1281, San Bruno, CA 94066 (Checks must be received by Aug.16)
Note: If available, meal tickets ($55) will be sold at the events on a first-come first-serve basis only.
For reservation changes, or cancellations email rsvp@sfbasqueculturalcenter.org.
Schedule of Events
SATURDAY I 7 AM - 2 AM
7:15 AM
MUS REGISTRATION
“SEIAK” 6-WAY MUS
8 AM
MUS TOURNAMENT
2 PM
BASQUE FILMS
“LAS PILOTARIS” & “HIT THE WALL”
3 PM
PILOTA GAMES
6 PM
APERITIFA
FEATURING DANCE PERFORMANCES
7 PM
BBQ STEAK DINNER
9 PM
DANTZALDIA
FEATURING IÑAKI DIÉGUEZ & XABIER LETURIA
SUNDAY I 9 AM - 8 PM
9 AM
DROP OFF FOR GATEAU BASQUE CONTEST
10 AM
MEZA & PERFORMANCES
12 PM
APERITIFA
1 PM
BBQ RACK OF LAMB LUNCH
4 PM
PEPITO YANCI BETI BEZI (TRIBUTE)
5 PM
PILOTA GAMES
7 PM
MOXKOR SALDA
AFTER PARTY GARLIC SOUP
Our Weekend Features
Pilota Games
Featuring: Chistera Globetrotters, Paleta Goma, and Handball with local players
We are thrilled to welcome the Chistera Globetrotters, an elite team of athletes from clubs across France, supported by the French Basque Pelota Federation. Known for their high-speed exhibitions of Grand Chistera (also called Cesta Punta when played indoors), they bring the world’s fastest ball sport to new audiences with dazzling skill and showmanship. Watching Chistera in the Kantxa is an unforgettable spectacle, reflecting equal parts athleticism and cultural celebration.
In addition to these special guests, we’ll feature matches with local players in two classic Basque pilota sports: Paleta Goma, where competitors rally a rubber ball with wooden paddles, and Esku Pilota, a traditional form where players strike the ball with their bare hands. Come experience the energy, tradition, and community spirit of Basque pilota!
Music: Band
Featuring Iñaki Diéguez & Xabier Leturia
We’re excited to welcome Iñaki Diéguez (accordion) and Xabier Leturia (tambourine), two acclaimed musicians from the Basque Country, whose dynamic performances bring traditional sounds to life with vibrant energy. They'll kick off the festivities at Dantzaldia on Saturday night and carry the rhythm throughout the weekend. On Sunday, they’ll offer a special tribute to legendary trikitilari Pepito Yanci, honoring the legacy of one of the Basque Country’s most influential folk musicians. Their music is the timeless soundtrack of a true Basque festival.
“LAS PELOTARIS” - a short documentary about women transforming the Basque sport of pelota.
The film follows a group of female athletes that strive to transform the male-dominated sports of Pelota and Jai Alai, and the enormous sacrifices they make along the way.
“HIT THE WALL” - a new documentary exploring the world of GAA Handball.
The film follows elite athletes through the highs and lows of their season, showcasing the unique resilience required to compete at the highest level.
Sponsored by the Basque Educational Organization.
Basque Films
Double-Feature Sponsored by the Basque Educational Organization
All entries are welcome (traditional, non traditional, cream filled, jam filled, gluten free, etc) for this annual Gateau Basque Contest. Entries should be checked in at the Banquet Room stage between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 24. The contest will be decided by a panel of judges, who will evaluate each cake on the following criteria: baking quality, taste and texture of both cake and filling, cohesiveness of flavors, and whether the cake feels, looks and tastes like Gateau Basque. The winner will be announced at noon and will become a judge for the next Gateau Basque contest. For any questions, contact Valerie Arrechea at etcharren@msn.com or 415-859-1154.
Gateau Basque Contest
All entries welcome!
Folkloric Performances
Zazpiak Bat Dancers & Klika, Gazteak Dancers, and Elgarrekin Choir
Kick off the weekend on Saturday with a lively surprise from the Garaztarrak Dancers, a visiting troupe from the Basque Country, who will team up with our Zazpiak Bat Dancers for a joyful “flash mob” performance during the afternoon Aperitifa.
On Sunday, join us for one of the most beloved traditions of our festival, as our Zazpiak Bat Dancers, Klika (marching band), Gazteak youth dancers, and the Elgarrekin Choir share music and dance during and after mass.
Mus Tournament
Mus “Seiak” 6 Way
Join us for our Mus tournament, featuring the beloved Basque card game that’s equal parts strategy, tradition, and camaraderie. This year’s competition will follow the “Seiak” six-way format, adding an exciting twist to the gameplay. Registration opens at 7:15 AM, with the tournament kicking off promptly at 8:00 AM.
Hotel Information
Sonesta ES Suites - San Francisco Airport San Bruno
1350 Huntington Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066
Phone: (650) 588-0770
Click for Sonesta ES hotel website
2025 Rates
1-Bedroom Suite - $169 + taxes (includes breakfast)
2-Bedroom Suite - $199 + taxes (includes breakfast)
2-Bedroom Trio Suite - $229 + taxes (includes breakfast)
Rates subject to 15% hotel tax . Daily parking fee per vehicle of $10 a day.
For reservations call (650) 588-0770 and ask for the Basque Cultural Center special rate. Rooms are limited.
Services and Amenities
Daily Self-Serve Breakfast Buffet
Shuttle Service to and from SFO Airport (with advance notice to the front desk)
WiFi and local calls
Guest Facilities
24-Hour on-site convenience store
Outdoor heated pool and Whirlpool
Fitness Room and Outdoor Sports Court
Guest laundry room (Extra Charge)
Business Center
BBQ Pavilion (2 gas grills and outdoor seating area)
Want to attend virtually?
The Sunday Mass will be livestreamed for those who can’t make it in person. Click the link below to watch live on Sunday, August 25 at 10:00 AM.
