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Udaleku, or camp that was originally held during the summer months, took place all weekend and gathered representatives from the following Uruguayam Basque clubs: Ondoko Etxea, in Carmelo, Euskaro and Haize Hegoa in Montevideo.  Over the three days, with Carnival in the Basque Country serving as the theme, children and young adults enjoyed classes in Basque, dance, night games and bonfires. 

Montevideo, Uruguay.   The activity organized by the Federation of Basque Institutions in Uruguay, FIVU, took place September 16-18 at the facilities of the “Villa Bautista,” camp at the La Tuna Spa, in the department of Canelones.  Aimed at children and kids between the ages of 5-17, Udaleku 2016 gathered nearly 60 people from different Basque clubs including, Ibai Ondoko Etxea, in Carmelo; Euskaro and Haize Hegoa, in Montevideo; and children and Basque students from San José and Montevideo.

According to FIVU, “The main theme of this year’s camp was Carnival in Euskal Herria.  That is why an aitona (grandpa) visited us and told us stories about these festivities, and especially the carnival that is celebrated in the Navarrese town of Lantz.  In addition, other mythological characters visited like the Basajaun and Gaueko.

“Over the three days we had the possibility of attending workshops on Euskera, dance and night games, as well as team builders, and at the end there was a bonfire with singing, games and dances,” FIVU President, Enrique Poittevin Gilmet told EuskalKultura.com.  “These are very enriching experiences for anyone that is able to participate in Udaleku, children, older kids and adults.  You learn more about the Basque culture and customs every year, and it also encourages friendships in Basque clubs in Uruguay.  As always, we are all left wanting more, so the promise of another Udaleku was already made for the coming year.

Even if the event is called Udaleku – in Basque summer camp – it should be clarified that in 2016 and 2017 it will take place at the end of the year, in spring.  “In the beginning we held it in the summer, but it became difficult finding a locale during those dates.  In addition, we feel that summer vacation should be spent with the family, and so that is why we moved it to be as close to summer as possible but not in the middle,” Poittevin explained.