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This was gathering number 23, organized by the Simon Bolivar Association led by Amaya Zenarutzabeitia.  This is an annual meeting for those Basques who have either resided in the Caribbean country, were born there, or are descendants or family, including some who are visiting Euskadi on these dates. The goals is to preserve ties, and maintain the feeling, the history and pride of being part of the Basque-Venezuelan community and the Diaspora. Gorka Alvarez, Director for the Basque Community Abroad, presented the oldest member, Felipe Serna, who is 86 years old, with a badge.

Galdakao, Bizkaia.   For another year, Galdakao became the meeting place for Basque Venezuelans in Euskadi on April 21^st.  Three and even four generations of people linked to the Basque-Venezuelan Diaspora attended the event at the Dog&Foc Restaurant in Galdakao, also owned by Venezuelans. Those attending delighted in traditional dishes from the Caribbean country in a wonderful atmosphere that was full of stories of the rich Basque presence in Venezuela and other stories of the difficult situation that the country finds itself in today.

The day began with mass in memory of members of the community who have passed away at the Santa Maria Church in downtown Galdakao.

After mass, there was an aperitif outside the restaurant allowing folks who hadn’t seen each other in years, time to catch up. This year the attendance was lower than usual, with last year’s attendance passing 100 people.

As every year, the oldest member in attendance was honored.  This year, that persona was Felipe Serna, who at 86 years of age, has never missed the gathering.  Gorka Alvarez Aranburu, Director of the Basque Government’s Basque Community Abroad, presented him with an eguzkilore badge.

In two years, the event will celebrate its 25^th edition, and so there is talk of organizing something special where the work and commitment to the Basque-Venezuelan community in Euskadi of Amaya Zenarutzabeitia will be recognized, especially her commitment to organizing this event year after year, as well as serving as a resource and spreading news around the community. There is no doubt that this Basque-Venezuelan medical resident in Galdakao deserves a resounding Eskerrik Asko!