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In the north of Argentine Patagonia, the county of Viedma and Carmen de Patagones celebrate the Festival of Patagonian Sovereignty annually with a week full of activities.  The Euskal Etxea joins the Basque community in both cities with its participation in the civil/military parade and Creole, to begin their annual activities. 

Carmen de Patagones, Argentina.   The Festival of Patagonian Sovereignty, one of the largest social and touristic events in the area, took place from March 2-7.  During the entire week, the city provided the community several renowned artists, cultural and food stands, tours and fairs with regional products.

Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated moments of the celebration is the civil/military parade and Creole, where institutions and communities from the cities of Patagones and Viedma participate together.  Converted into a colorful spectacle for the entire city, the public applauded the various columns, including the Basque communities’, represented by the Beti Aurrera Aberri Etxea, who participated with members of all ages.

The importance of the event for locals on both sides of the Negro River was explained in the following way: “The country of Viedma-Patagones was the first establishment in Patagonia and was its capital for many years.  In 1827 the locals fought against the Brazilian offensive that attacked the area with a firm intention to take possession of Patagonia.  Its characteristics of the river and climate, well-known by those who live there, were key in the victory against the Brazilians, even if they were more sophisticated, they couldn’t stand the temperatures and the strong currents.”

For years the parade of the Festival of Patagonian Sovereignty marks the beginning of the year’s Basque club activities.  In fact, after this, the club will begin remodeling the clubhouse that was inaugurated in 2015 – to accommodate classes in Euskera, dance, and choir practices, among other activities.  According to the club, they are working on the clubhouse, and constructing a reservoir and improving the patio.  After these are complete, activities should begin by the second half of the month.