Donostia-San Sebastian. We have been reporting on events in the Diaspora to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Bombing of Gernika during all of the week. For a second year in a row, the situation of the pandemic has not prevented sending of messages on the importance of memory and the memory of solidarity with the victims of barbarism. Once again, the majority of the Basque clubs and institutions that chose to pay tribute did so on social media.
These were some of the places that allowed in person events outside. In these cases, the clubs mainly gathered in plazas.
This is the our last bunch of online activities that took place to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Bombing with links, and a small photo gallery.
Argentina
-The Laurak Bat Basque Club in Buenos Aires held a joint activity with the Peace Museum in Gernika, Iratxe Mamolita, Museum Director and Idoia Orbe, director of Education, held two workshops “The Civil War through Vignettes,” and “Research on the Bombing of Gernika.” Among the participants was Gorka Alvarez Aranburu, Director of the Basque Community Abroad. More information here.
-The Euskal Echea College in Llavallol in this video in tribute to Gernika, they relate the experience of the Bombing to the current COVID-19 pandemic. There are drawings made by students, and dances. See video here.
-The Hiru Erreka Basque Club in Tres Arroyos inaugurated a new mural of the “Guernica,” in metal in the Plaza de los Vascos. The inauguration included an Aurresku sung by Pilar Urbieta and danced by Giana Menna, and addresses by Delegate Sara Pagola: club president, Francisco Urbietea; Professor Cesar Arrondo; and Mayor Carlos Sanchez. Video, here
Chile
- The Delegation of Euskadi in Chile invited everyone at the beginning of the month to create literary texts. The event held on Wednesday May 28th, consisted of the reading of these short stories, poetry, and tales that were submitted. More information, here.
Venezuela and Uruguay
-Eusko Etxea in Caracas had the exceptional Basque testimony of Itziar Rodriguez Seijo, a survivor of the Bombing, historical member and former club president, in a conversation with the current club president, Ibane Azpiritxaga on April 26th. A revealing story that links Gernika with a life spent in the Diaspora. Video available here. The even concluded with a few words from Gorka Alvarez Aranburu, who concluded the day by participating online with the commemorative event organized in Montevideo by FIVU, the Uruguayan Federation of Basque Clubs.
Photos from in-person events: