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Last weekend delegates of the Basque Clubs of North America gathered in Chino, California, where the Southern California Basque Club hosted their first ever NABO Convention. In addition, the club also celebrated its 70th Basque Festival, with a great atmosphere and a performance by famous Basque rock band Gatibu. Check the photos, next.

Chino, USA. The weekend began with a NABO meeting on Saturday, NABO's Jr. Mus Tournament took place Saturday afternoon and the first place winners were sisters Elena and Jeanine Duhart representing the Chino Basque Club, second place winners were Matthew Jaureguy and Martin Almirantearena representing the Southern California Basque Club. 

Saturday night continued with a steak and chicken dinner and dancing to the music of the Jean Flesher Band, and a concert by Basque Country band Gatibu. The hall was beautifully decorated with round tables displaying the Basque flag.  Walls were decorated with pictures from the past and present. During dinner a video was shown (produced by Marianna Etcheverria) reflecting the history of the Southern California Basque Club.

The traditional Sunday picnic began with an outside mass given by Father Javier Altuna followed by the younger dance groups Xori-Ttipiak, Euskaldun Izarrak and Dantzari Onestak performing before the lamb lunch was served. Sunday afternoon entertainment included dance performances by the San Francisco Zazpiak Bat Dancers, and the Gauden Bat dancers from Chino.  NABO Bizi Emankorra awards were presented to Jean Baptiste Aguerre, Xavier Aphessetche both from Chino and Jean Baptiste Bidegaray from Fresno.

Following the afternoon performances the Txerriki contest was held. The winners were Bernard Goyhenetche – Lukainka, Bernard is from the Iparreko Ibarra Basque club, and the Marin Sonoma Basque club won in the Tripota Category.  The evening entertainment was with another concert by Gatibu, Lukinka sandwiches were served through the night and the dancing continued till midnight with the Jean Flesher Band.