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Some 160 people celebrated birthday number 25 of this Basque club in La Pampa.  Besides members and friends the club was also accompanied by the president of FEVA, Hugo Andiazabal, along with provincial and national authorities.  During lunch tribute was paid the club’s first board of directors, former presidents and to cooks and helpers who were active during this quarter century. 

Santa Rosa, Argentina.  Twenty-five years since the founding of the Zelaiko Euskal Etxea a multitude of friends gathered to celebrate along with current and past board members on this special club anniversary.  The celebration also include recognition of the first board of directors led by Alfredo Otalora.  Past presidents were also honored including Otalora, Jose De Ormaechea, Ricardo Basterra, Angel Baraybar, and current president, Valeria Garcia Oyarzabal.  One of the more moving moments took place when Mrs. Delia Sansinanea read some words remembering a founding member who had recently passed away, Héctor ‘Manucho’ Paz.

Cooks and their helpers were also recognized: Sergio Lino, Luis Álvarez, Esther De La Mata, Laura Rusos and Blanca Gaia; along with José Antonio Sarasola, Haydee Semper and Carlos Rincón who helped them.

As explained to EuskalKultura.com, the ceremony began with an Aurresku by Milagros Mujica, dantzari in the Gure Ametza dance group of the Euzko Alkartasuna Basque Club in Macachin.  There was also a welcome address by the president, and Hugo Andiazabal also addressed those present on behalf of FEVA.  Iñaki Unamuno, president of Euzko Alkartasuna; Marcelo Pederhontaa, sub secretary of Labor in the province; and National Deputy, Martin Maquieyra, also attended among others.

Lunch was coordinated by the chef, as well as community member, Mauro Funes and included pintxos, paella as a main dish, and a brownie with orange sauce and berries for dessert.  There was also birthday cake and a toast.

The ikurriña, also present

The Ikurriña was also present at the anniversary, thanks to the club’s children accompanied by Vice-president Mariángeles Sarasola that was also present at the local Festival of Communities on August 12th. Garcia Oyarzabal also confirmed to EuskalKultura.com that they are in conversations with other communities in Santa Rosa and that they will also do something on November 26th for the Day of the Immigrant, co-organized with the city.

Zelaiko Euskal Etxea also publishes a bi-annual newsletter.  The second issue of 2017 will include information about the anniversary and San Ignacio celebrations, among other topics.