euskalkultura.eus

Mexico City, Mexico.  “A real success,” declared the organizers of this year’s event.  The annual gathering took place on May 1^st at Mexico City’s Euskal Etxea, and was attended by over 150 people that included natives of the region and their friends.  However, the day had a touch of sadness due to the sudden death of Alberto Alday, historian and researcher on the people of Baztan in Mexico (see article published last Friday on EuskalKultura.com).

“He always expressed his desire to attend a Baztango Eguna, but death surprised him before he could do so, I’m sure though that he was with us in spirit, and now he’ll be at all the Baztango Egunas in the future,” said Mari Carmen Arrechea, a member of the Baztan community of Mexico and one of the organizers, as well as the photographer of the images shared here. 

Baztan Menu

Baztango Eguna strives to unite young and old alike, to enjoy a typical menu of the area: baztanzopak (Baztan soup), piperade, lamb stew, solomillo in asparagus sauce, and apple pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert.  The organizers worked hard in the kitchen even though they were allowed a toast, here and there, while they were preparing their dishes.

[Juanjo Arrieta (on the left), heading up the group of volunteer cooks and apparent fans of Osasuna (photo Mari Carmen Arrechea)]

[Phenomenal piperade prepared by the Baztango Eguna organizers (photo Mari Carmen Arrechea)]

The Youth having a Great Time

After the meal, a traditional mus tournament took place.  Sixteen teams signed up and for a while all that could be heard in the center was, “mus, enbido and ordago!”

[Young mus players showing that they are worthy opponents during the tournament (photo Mari Carmen Arrechea)]

After the meal there was singing, dancing and afternoon entertainment.  The most enthusiastic in the crowd replenished their energy with chorizo and ham sandwiches so that they could continue into the wee hours of the night.  

-More information and a selection of pictures at DinaLeku's Facebook, here