euskalkultura.eus

Townsville, Australia.  The North Queensland Euskal Etxea, in Townsville, said farewell to 2011 with a huge Christmas party that was attended by approximately 130 members and guests.  The event was planned as an outdoor picnic, but due to the rain, it had to be moved to the inside of the clubhouse.  Some brave souls weathered the storm and enjoyed the food in a tent outside.

A series of water games had been organized for the children, but the rain, far from spoiling the fun allowed the txikis to roam and have fun on their own. Then, soaked to the bone and some even in bathing suits, climbed onto the Olentzero’s lap (played by Jon Larrazabal), who handed out some gifts prepared by the club.

[Olentzero – Jon Larrazabal – poses with some of the children of Townsville’s Euskal Etxea (photo Townsville EE)]

The party was catered, as explained to EuskalKultura.com by club president Pedro Mendiolea, “the organizing committee decided to thank the club cooks and volunteers for their hard work all year long, and catered the event so that everyone could also enjoy themselves.”

[From left to right, Mary Longarte, Joan Aranas, Jose Longarte, Pedro Aranas, and in front, Dot Gbiola, enjoying the Christmas meal (photo Townsville EE)]

After lunch the president addressed the club members thanking them for their support throughout the year. “The club finds itself on solid ground and invites all its members to continue to participate in its activities in 2012,” he said.

At Madrid’s Euskaltegi-Txiki

On the other side of the world, and as part of his journey through the most diverse countries, the Olentzero also appeared at the Euskal Etxea in Madrid where he visited the children at the club’s Euskaltegi-Txiki (Basque language school for kids). The two instructors, Esti and Lur, along with members of the Dantza Taldea, organized a nice party for the children, as noted by the Basque club on its website along with this video:

-Second part of the video, and other recordings, can be seen on Madrid’s Euskal Etxea’s website, here