euskalkultura.eus

The Cultural and Charitable Association Euskal Echea in Argentina has two headquarters, one in the capital city and the other in Llavallol.  Both held their annual Basque celebration, at the beginning of spring (September-October), each with different dates and programs.  This year, both celebrations did share the same theme the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Gernika. 

Llavallol, Argentina.  The Basque festival at the Euskal Echea Institute in Llavallol was held last Saturday, October 14 and included a large program of activities with many participants and was attended by a large audience that included students, former students, parents, authorities and representatives from fellow institutions.

The festivities began with the standard bearers, and by singing the National Anthem of Argentina, and “Gernikako Arbola,” by all present.  After the ceremony the performances ensued by the school kids, who covered the sports field with the colors of the Ikurriña. Rhythmic and artistic gymnastics exhibitions were the star of the event, along with Basque dances. The festivities concluded with the traditional Basque Stampede, the image of hundreds of students all dancing the Fandango and Arin Arin together, as well as a Biribilketa.  A large number of alumni also joined in the stampeded to complete the image.

Even of the sports and dancing performances are the main part of the festival, there were also other activities held during the day that the audience could participate in.  Around noon, there was Plaza Dancing, led by Aitor Alava, as well as smaller businesses, academic samples, live music, and radio, as well as a food court and the creation of a mural.

Remembering Gernika

Eighty years after the bombing, the festivities at both headquarters of the Euskal Echea Association united, along with the entire Diaspora throughout the year, to denounce as well as remember the happenings of that April 26th.  The students in Llavallol, as well as those in Buenos Aires, paid tribute to the Bizkaian village with performances and artistic shows.

The Euskal Echea, in the capital city, held its event on September 16th, and also gathered a large audience.  Students and family members gathered at the facilities in Llavallol and there, with the weather cooperating, they had a day of performances, Basque dancing and solidarity.  The proceeds from the students’ stands was donated to the TECHO program for the construction of houses.