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The date is February 20 and the invitation is extended to Basque descendants but, above all, is for anyone wanting to participate and pay a contribution to the formation of a euskal etxea in this area of Patagonia. During the dinner, a summary of what has taken place so far will be given and decisions will be made regarding the next steps to take in order to meet the goals.  Once designed, club members will present it formally on March 26. 

Neuquen, Argentina.   Born in Durango, Rafa Molina has become the main promotor of the Euskal Etxea in Comahue. With the required passion to embark on such a project, and the knowing that there was a Basque club in the area, Molina has tried to work with those who were at one time part of the extinct Comahue Zazpirak Bat in Cipolleti.  His attempt wasn’t fruitful and so he decided to start at zero, with all of the advantages and disadvantages that this brings along with it.

This Bizkaian who came to Argentina five years ago, knows very well how that establishing a Basque club is not something that can be done by one person, so he has dedicated the last several months to this difficult task of convening with and encouraging people.  “Until now, we have had three meetings,” Molina says, ‘the informative dinner that we will hold now is very important because it lets us agree on what type of Basque institution we want, and depending on that, what steps need to be taken.  I am very clear that I want a Basque club where every manifestation of Basque culture is present, but it is important for everyone to express his/her point of view.”

The invitation extended by Molina expresses the goals that the Euskal Etxea will have: “For some it will be the opportunity they were waiting for, for others the moment to feel identified with a common feeling.  Others will feel that it is a way to shorten the distances and reduce this feeling of nostalgia.  But what remains clear is that everyone has a lot to contribute to this new Basque club, Euskal Etxea of Comahue.  A trip without a destination isn’t a trip, it is to wander without a port to dock in.  The Euskal Etxea of Comahue is in its infancy, but it already has set the goal of creating a meeting place with a Basque touch. To what end? To celebrate, gather to help realize a dream, share a meal, enjoy each other’s company in the culture that we share, have get-togethers with other Basque clubs, promote the culture and generate common goals.”  And that is why everyone’s input is necessary. 

The informative dinner will be held in Neuquen city on February 20 at 9:20pm in the Hall of Pastoral Migration, (República de Italia 652, Neuquén).  After that, the Basque club presentation festivities will take place on March 26, possibly at city facilities, with the participation of a dance group from some of the closest Basque clubs.  For more information or to communicate with the Euskal Etxea of Comahue visit them on Facebook: euskal etxea del comahue.