Euskal kultura

Finishing touches took place yesterday for today’s inauguration at 10am (4pm in Europe) of the 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival dedicated this year to the Basques and entitled, “Basques: Innovation by Culture.” After the official event, and with all its areas in operation, the small Basque Country is mounted against the US Capitol and will host the first concerts this evening with Kepa Junkera and Sorginak on stage.

Washington DC. The Basque business and institutional expedition that are holding an official event full of meetings and networking in different places in the US, gathered yesterday at the lead-up activities of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and attended a concert that was also attended by business authorities Ms. Arantxa Tapia and the three Deputy Generals of Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, Ramiro Gonzalez, Unai Rementeria, and Markel Olano, as well as Ander Caballero, Delegate of Euskadi in the US, among others. Representing the US, California Congressman, John Garamendi was also present with his wife Patti, and thanks to his support these Basque projects are being carried out successfully.

Everyone was able to enjoy a wonderful concert performed by ballerina Lucia Lacarra and a cast of excellent dancers, together with the master Joaquin Achucarro, who delighted the audience with a stunning piano concert at the National Museum of the American Indian. Xabier Paya, acting as an impeccable presenter, bertsolari and member of the European Capital of Culture 2016, who moderated the event with bertsos in both Basque and English. Afterwards, there was a reception in the patio of the National Portrait Gallery.

Now looking forward to the official inauguration this morning of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2016 and the opening of the various sections, tents and areas that comprise it, forming a kind of small Basque town, with a fronton, artisan and craft area, Euskera, gastronomy and beverages from the country, characteristic products, a kid’s corner, etc. All of them are ready to welcome more than 200 artists, athletes, musicians, artisans, chefs, dantzaris and other professional who have come from the Basque Country as well as from Basque communities in the US. One of the event’s missions is to explain to visitors, from all over, the traditions and works presented didactically.

Here is a photo chronicle of yesterday’s events. Today’s program can be found here.