Iruña-Pamplona, Navarre. Another date for the Amerikanuak this Sunday, October 2 in Ortzaize (Lower Navarre), attending the annual event that is organized in this province to gather former sheepherders that were in the US and their families, all with the common bond with Basque-Americans and the Basque Diaspora in the US. In this case, the event usually gathers several generations, born either here or there, that represent both components. The meeting and festivities will take place this year at the Mendialde Ostatua in Ortzaize-Osses, (Lower Navarre).
Welcomed by President Barkos
The event was preceded by others including the annual Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan gathering that this year also commemorated its 10th anniversary with the first event having taken place in 2006 in Lesaka. This year’s date was September 3rd in Izaba-Isaba, in Erronkari-Roncal Valley. The anniversary celebration also included a visit, the day before, to the Palace of Navarre and a visit with President Uxue Barkos.
During the event, the President of Navarre, Uxue Barkos thanks the representatives of the Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan association for their contribution, “over a lifetime of work,” to the whole social community as well “this great personal example of effort and perseverance that you have given us all.”
“You are an Example for us All”
Uxue Barkos was pleased to organize the reception given by the Navarran Government for the members of the Association of Basque Sheepherders in America, “that gathers many sons of our country who emigrated, out of necessity, people who, despite the time and distance, have kept their roost, the love of this country, its language and its culture.”
“The Basque herders in America have had to work very hard, in very difficult conditions, but you did so bravely, responsibly and loyally. You are a wonderful example for us all of sacrifice, bravery and honor,” the president said. She also said she believes that “it is a wonderful idea to have an association for you all to keep the memories of this experience alive that has been so important, that every year you gather together to celebrate somewhere in our country to share memories and news, as well as to be honored by the entire Navarran community.”
The event concluded with an exchange of gifts and a group photo.
10th anniversary
The following day, on Saturday, the annual sheepherders event was celebrated in Isaba. Nearly 400 herders from various areas of Navarre and Iparralde attended to celebrate the 10 years since their initial meeting in Lesaka in 2006. The organizers indicated that “two sentiments ran throughout the day, on the one hand, everyone was happy with the work done over the last 10 years to value and spread the work done by our parents, brothers, family members and friends…and on the other realizing that every year we are a smaller group because we are losing herders along the way.”
But “We will continue to work as long as we can so that the institutions help us to gather this part of our shared memory, written only by their hard work, honesty and know how. Because we think that our herders have written a part of the history of this country in words of gold. We are taking advantage of them still being alive to pay them a much deserved tribute,” said Laura Igantzi.
In regards to the festivities, the mayor was also involved with the Isaba Associaton and particularly herder, Fidel Alkat and Julio Berentens, who provided a spectacular lunch with sheepherders 'migas', with wine, along with the local band and dancers, a guided visit of the town of Isaba, an emotional mass celebrated by Patxi Izko who communicated the feeling of the association very well. All of this with wonderful homemade food, music and a raffle of prizes donated by various sponsors.
A frame with photos from a previous event was also presented to Jose aguas.
2017 in Legazpi
The mayor of Isaba then passed the baton to the mayor of Legazpi, Gipuzkoa, hosts of next year’s event that is traditionally held on the first Sunday of September.
-Legazpiko Artzai Egunean omendutako amerikanoak
-Euskal Artzainak Ameriketan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Euskal-Artzainak-Ameriketan-106758232726704/?fref=ts
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