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Activities organized by the city, 9 de Julio, in Argentina to celebrate the Day of Cultural Diversity were held at the Gral. Belgrano Plaza and included the participation of the Italian, Spanish, Irish, Japanese, and Basque communities.  The Etxe Maitea Basque Club participated in the events with a cultural stand, the only one at the festival, and in a gesture of solidarity, gave the food stand to the ALCEC Association. 

9 de Julio, Argentina.   The Day of Cultural Diversity is celebrated in Argentina on October 12 and aims “to promote historical reflection and intercultural dialogue about the rights of native peoples.”  In the town of 9 de Julio, the commemoration of the date was advanced to the 9^th of October and include recognition of various cultures that are part of the local identity.  The activities were jointly organized by the city’s Office of Culture, and the local communities.

The festivities took place at the Gral. Belgrano Plaza, from noon to midnight with the main event being the music and dance performances by the various communities.  There were also food stands offering typical dishes.

As part of the event, the Basque community and the Etxe Maitea Basque Club held a stand where Ikurriñas, typical costumes, photos, maps and drawings of baserris, as well as, for instance, the lyrics of “Gernikako Arbola” were exhibited. According to club vice-president, Maria Esther Beascochea, the Basque one “was the only cultural stand at the festival.  The idea was to represent immigrants who left their land and were forming the towns and cities with their customs and culture.  A large number of people visited the stand, especially Basque people who were very interested in the display,” she explained.

“Many locals also came by and asked us about our more festive activities, especially when we would again do our traditional paella.  The Etxe Maitea is known in the city for its paellas that they organize for 500 people.  Over time, and since we are very few that are currently working for the club, we quit doing it; but since people are asking about it we are encouraged again and will probably do it again next year,” Beascochea said. 

Along with Maria Ester, also at the stand were Julia Beascochea, Iñaki Cancellieri, Liliana Zubieta, Felicitas Lisazo, Cecilia Rocha and Hernán Alberdi. “Unlike other times, this year in a gesture of solidarity, we let the ALCEC (Association in the Fight against Cancer) have the food stand, although we also provided Gateaux Basque among the offerings of our regular stand,” she concluded.