euskalkultura.eus

The Euskal Etxea in Lima has a group of youth, some from Euskal Herria, and other locals, that develop an interesting annual program of activities.  This year, 2017, began with the Tamborrada and continued with the celebration of traditional festivities that are important on the Basque calendar.  In addition to these, the center also held charitable events, like “Christmas in the Jungle,” that was carried out at the end of the year.  Basque classes are taught by Xabi Gil. Cultural and recreational activities will continue into 2018.

Lima, Peru.  Xabi Gil, from Navarre, has been in charge of Basque language classes in Lima for the last three years.  With a large percentage of students form Euskal Herria, attending class so “they don’t lose their Euskera,” along with local students.  The group’s level is A2 and meets three hours a week.

Like many other Euskaldunak all over the world, the Euskera group in Lima shows their commitment to the language by celebrating Euskera Day; and they did so by doing presentations.  As Xabi Gil told EuskalKultura.com, “in one of the presentations we talked about the peculiarities of Euskera, about Basque immigration and about Basque names that are found in Lima and throughout Peru.  The second presentation was about Herri Kirolak and they were even able to play Lokotxak.”

But the commitment of the Euskal Etxea in Lima crosses the border of Euskera; and they also carried out charitable events like one called “Christmas in the Jungle.”  According to the teacher, “we have been doing this project since 2014.  Anyone wishing to participate can prepare toys, clothing, and school materials and give them to children living in the Peruvian jungle.  This is something that we do with an NGO.”

Yearly activities

The 2017 program began in January with the Tamborrada.  Some 30 people gathered at the Basque club for lunch, to play a drum and to sing the traditional Donostia Tamborrada pieces.  Continuing with the program, in April they held a Korrika in favor of Euskera that took them to the Pacific coasts where the Basque club group ran through the Malecón de Miraflores.  There was lunch, an Aurresku and a mus tournament.

Also in April, the Basque club in Lima was the site of Mercomus mus tournament that gathered muslaris from Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Chile and the locals.  To the pleasure of the hosts, their team won.

In July, the most important festivities in Pamplona took place: San Fermin celebrated with a dinner.  After that they also celebrated Aste Nagusia.

Looking towards 2018, they are anticipating a similar program coordinated by Xabi Gil, as well as part of the cultural proposals by LEGAZ – Limako Euskal Gazteria – Lima’s youth.  “Next year we will continue classes, with those in level A2, and if there are new students interested in the first level.  Classes are free, and so those who come, don’t have to pay anything,” he encourages.

The Lima Euskal Etxea on Facebook: Euskaletxea Centro Vasco - Peru.