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The program “Artekale,” on the Basque channel Hamaika Telebista recently gave the floor to the Diaspora, inviting three Basques from Argentina: Xabier Zubillaga, Alejo Conti and Facun Aznarez.  The three provided an interesting dialogue, in Euskera, about the Basque Diaspora and its cultural work, from which we have translated and highlighted some passages. 

Donostia-San Sebastian.  The program ArteKale on Hamaika Telebista interviewed three members of the Basque Diaspora Facun Aznarez, Alejo Conti and Xabier Zubillaga on October 13.  The three spoke about the Basque Diaspora, its plurality, its current situation and its cultural activities, like the upcoming Semana Nacional Vasca in Argentina.  The conversation also included researcher, Maialen Goirizelaia, who is writing her doctoral these at UPV/EHU on the Basque Diaspora.

Xabier Zubillaga is a member of the Euskal Etxea in Necochea, where several generations of Zubillagas have worked over the years.  Alejo Conti, is from the Rosario Basque Club and is a Argentine of Italian origin who fell in love with the Basque culture and is a Basque teacher in Rosario. Finally, Argentine, Facun Aznarez, isn’t a member of any club but is an international journalist.

All three guests were from Argentina, and they criticized that fact adding that the Diaspora reaches many more countries.

One of the reflections that they made was in reference to those who make up the Diaspora, stressing that among the people who collaborate at the euskal etxeak that there are non-Basques as well but who are people who love the Basque culture, like Conti.  “It is a question of sentiment, there is no ID card,” Facun Aznarez explained.  “He who feels Basque, who internalizes it, those who feel Euskal Herria in their hearts are the Basque Diaspora,” they said.

Complete video available here: www.hamaika.tv.