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The La Plata Basque club once again held its successful Paella Contest this year.  With eight participating groups, seven from the club and one guest, the judges’ decision was not an easy one.  After deliberating the winners were the Catalans.  After the contest the party continues with entertainment by the dantzaris. 

La Plata, Argentina.   The Toki Alai room was filled to capacity with eight participating groups on June 12, when the Paella Contest organized by the local Basque club was held.  The event gathered representatives of all the activities that the club develops, including Basque students who gathered for the this challenge with students from the Lectureship at the University of La Plata; the players of Canasta, the pelota group, the Zaharrak group, the children’s soccer school, the hockey school, the library along with the Peña Athletic Bilbao, Tango club and the adult dancers. The invitation also crossed borders with a group representing the local Catalan club also attending.

After a long afternoon of work, the club presented diplomas to each group as a way of thanking them for their efforts.  The judges for this event included Carlos Capdevlia, President of the Casal Catalá; Mirentxu Sanchez Garciandia, lifetime club member, and Pedro Berrueta, the club’s president who presented first prize to the Catalans and second prize to the Basque students.

After the contest, Andoni Etcheverry danced the Aurresku for the winners which was followed by the adult dancers doing a Fandango and Arin Arin.  The night continued with music, song, and dancing, both traditional as well as local.

“The Basque club would like to thank everyone for collaborating and making the contest a wonderful excuse to get together, have a good time and once again it is easier together,” Maria Fernanda Astigarraga told EuskalKultura.com.  “We would like to especially thank Iñaki Aramayo Lazcano and Andoni “Palomo” Azcarate for their work and representing the club; as well as the members of the Denak Bat dance group, the Peñas Mari Aramayo and Bixente Ibarguren; and the parents, teachers and Hockey players for having participated in the event.”