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Sydney, Australia.  The Gure Txoko Basque club celebrated its 45th birthday on February 11th and did so with a celebratory meal in the middle of Sydney’s Bay.  The event took place on one of the tourist boats that run along the Bay, with a fitting menu that included delicacies such as prawns and oysters. 

The atmosphere couldn’t have been better and club members had a wonderful time.  Everybody was remembering two important members who passed away during the last year: Karlos Orue, who had served as club president for many years, and Rafa Alegria, originally from Hondarribia, who also served on the board of directors.  Current club president Ruben Alvaro was also present, having been reelected at the general assembly that took place at the beginning of the year.

[Some of the Gure Txoko members, ready to enjoy the anniversary meal (photo Sydney EE)]

Upcoming Activities

In regards to upcoming Gure Txoko activities, club sources have told EuskalKultura.com that this Sunday there will be a going away party for, “Sebastian, a professional dancer from Maule, that after two years in Sydney is returning to the Basque Country,” as explained by Zaloa Arrieta.  “There will be Basque dancing and the Basque students are also preparing some Farwell songs.  It’ll be a great day.”

Another club event, although not yet confirmed, may be a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, on March 19th.  An event that the club never misses is the Aberri Eguna celebration that is always celebrated with a picnic at Centennial Park.

Manu Chao with Gure Txoko

Finally, it is worth mentioning that on January 7th a large group of club members enjoyed a front row concert by Manu Chao in Sydney, invited by the artist himself.  “Because of his relationship with Euskal Herria and his friendship with Fermin Muguruza, Manu Chao invited a group from Gure Txoko to meet him,” explained Zaloa Arrieta.  “Finally, some of went to the concert and got to meet him backstage, dressed in our Gure Txoko t-shirts.”  The musician and his group also received club shirts as a thank you for the invitation.

[Some Gure Txoko members posing with Manu Chao backstage at his concert in Sydney (photo SydneyEE)]