euskalkultura.eus

Some Basque clubs celebrated Aberri Eguna on Easter Sunday, some others a little before, along with a large number who have organized afterwards.  In any case, they are all held with the common goal of expressing and celebrating their adherence and commitment to the Basque homeland.  The Basque-Argentine club's events started with the Dancer's Aberri Eguna Gathering in Cañuelas, on April 8th and 9th.  More activities followed with celebrations in both Concordia and Olavarria. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Members of thirteen dance groups gathered on April 8th and 9th at the Aberri Eguna Dancers’ Gathering organized at the Denak Bat Basque Club in Cañuelas.  The weather didn’t cooperate, but the entire program was able to be carried out in alternative places with the collaboration of local institutions. 

On Saturday afternoon, April 8th, the stage for the dance exhibition in Cañuelas was the Jose Manuel de Estrada School.  The show that opened with a Tamborrada included the participation of the Laurak Bat Basque Club in Buenos Aires, Denak Bat in Lomas de Zamora, Toki Eder in Jose C. Paz, Zingirako Euskaldunak in Chascomus, Euzko Etxea in Necochea, Euskal Sustraiak in Trenque Lauquen, Guillermo Larregui in Chacabuco, Anaitasuna in Maipu, Euzko Etxea in La Plata, Union Vasca in Bahia Blanca, Urrundik in Parana, Zazpirak Bat in Gral. Las Heras, and the hosts, the local Denak Bat in Cañuelas.  There was also a group of members form the Basque club in Quilmes.

After their performance, the youth enjoyed a dance, to the music of Daniel “Jopo” Galfredo along witht he group Cumbia Pop Sabbaticos.

On Sunday, the 11th edition of the gathering concluded with a farewell lunch.  During the meal the local club choir sang and organizers thanked everyone for coming and presented each delegation with a souvenir, a lauburu shaped coat rack.

Concordia and Olavarría

Following the annual tradition, the Ibaiko Izarra Basque Club in Concordia, in the Province of Entre Rios, celebrated Aberri Eguna with mass at the San Antonio de Padua Cathedral.  Afterwards, the Gazte Lurra dance group performed some dances in front of the cathedral. 

In Olavarria, they also celebrated Easter Sunday mass.  Mass took place at the San Jose Church and was celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Azul, Hugo Manuel Salaberry Goyeneche, who processed into church accompanied by the club’s flagbearers.  After mass, the members of the local Gure Etxea Maitea Basque Club moved to the Jesus Mendia Promenade where traditional dances were performed and Easter Eggs were passed out to the children.

(We will continue to provide news on other Aberri Eguna celebrations. Remember the one this afternoon at the Iparraldeko Euskal Etxea in Buenos Aires.  See the invitation in our agenda here).