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The event organized annually by the Federation of Basque Institutions in Uruguay (FIVU) this year included instruction on Basque traditional instruments.  The workshops were taught by Haize Hegoa club member, Agustin Trigo Sarraute, who attended the Gaztemundu Program in the Basque Country this September that also focused on instruments. The Uruguayan Udaleku was held on the beaches of the Departments of Canelones and was also an excellent opportunity to delve into Euskera. 

Montevideo, Uruguay. Using summer camps in the Basque Country as a model, FIVU also holds an annual camp specifically for kids and youth between the ages of 5-17.  Udaleku 2017 was held October 13-15 and took place at the “Villa Bautista,” camp facilities at the Spa La Tuna, in the coastal Department of Canelones.

The theme of the camp over the three-day weekend was related to Basque music and traditional Basque instruments, as well as provided the opportunity to play them.  In fact, the workshops were taught by Agustin Trigo Sarraute, member of Montevideo’s Haize Hegoa Basque Club, and participant in Gaztemundu 2017 that also focused on traditional Basque instruments.

Following the Euskaltzale imprint of the activity, the camp also provided an excellent opportunity to “live in Euskera,” thanks to the work of Basque teacher, Andrea Bella, who brought games, and stories in the Basque language. Dancing wasn’t lacking either, thanks to the dantzaris from the Eusko Indarra group.  In the words of Enrique Poittevin, FIVU president, “the stories and tales allowed participants to enter into the games, and approach an important part of the Basque culture in a fun way.  These opportunities are very enriching for everyone who participates in Udaleku, for the children, youth and adults alike.  Year after year we learn more about the Basque culture and customs and it also strengthens the friendships between clubs in Uruguay.”

With a total of 35 participants, the event gathered children from the Ibai Ondoko Etxea Basque Club in Carmelo, and from Haize Hegoa, in Montevideo, as well as children and grandchildren of Basque students in San Jose and Montevideo. “As always, everybody wanted more, but now we will wait in anticipation for next year’s Udaleku,” FIVU’s president concluded.