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Relays, tug-of-war, sack races... The origins of "force basque" can be found in daily tasks carried out in the region. For centuries, young Basque farmers have pitted themselves against each other in physical challenges. Labouring in the forests of the Basque Country gave rise to the "aizkolariak" (lumberjacks working with an axe or "arpanariak"), as well as wood sawyers. The construction of buildings, cathedrals and monasteries led to the development of the "arrijasotzaileak" – literally those who lift stones. Several events have resulted from work in the fields, the most well-known of which are "lastoaltxatzea", the lifting of straw bales either using a pitchfork or a pulley, orga joko (cart-lifting), zakulasterka (relay or individual sack races), and untziketariak, a race involving pitchers of milk. Not forgetting "soka-tira", or tug-of-war, an internationally recognised discipline which is now held in no less than 14 countries. During the summer, demonstrations of Force Basque, organised by the Xistera organisation, can be enjoyed at the municipal fronton arena in Saint-Jean-de-Luz every wednesday.
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