euskalkultura.eus

The Necochea Euzko Etxea combined two festivities with the beginning of its annual program of activities, and carried out the Tamborrada from Donostia on the main stage at the local Festival of Collectivities. The festivities for San Sebastian continued the following week over three days with a cider house, pintxo day and a dance. 

Necochea, Argentina.   While the majority of the Basque clubs in the country are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, the Euzko Etxea in Necochea joined in the local activities that the city prepares for its tourists.  The annual program of events at the club began early, in the middle of January, with a celebration that is very special to the local Basque community, San Sebastian Day.

In 2018, the feast of the Patron Saint of the Gipuzkoan capital began in Necochea on January 20th, as part of the Festival of Collectivities.  The club participated in the festival with a food stand, and a Tamborrada that could be heard on the main stage in the Miguel Lillo Park.

But the celebration didn’t stop there.  The following week a three-day long program begun at the clubhouse. On Thursday, January 25^th the Eneko Sidreria opened its doors to provide a typical menu complete with cider made there.  The Otxote Osasuna also entertained during the evening with traditional songs.

The next day, the club transformed its main hall into the Constitution Plaza in Donostia to delight its guests with a various array of pintxos.  The 2018 San Sebastian celebration culminated with a dance on Saturday the 27^th, where the Tamborrada was heard again, with old and young participating, along with drummers from other Basque clubs.  The huge dance was also attended by representatives from Basque clubs from Mar del Plata, Rosario, Chascomús, La Plata, Bahía Blanca, San Nicolás, Laprida, Arrecifes, Lomas de Zamora and Gral. Las Heras. There was also several Basque visiting from the Basque Country in attendance.

The evening was also attended by the dantzaris of Gazte Alai, and was also the moment when the new club mayor for 2018 was chosen.  This year the honor fell to Hugo Picardi who, according to the club, “at 91 years old has always accompanied us, remembering his work in favor of our club.”  Picardi was presented a makila surrounded by his family and friends.

The local media also covered the event and didn’t only go to the Basque club but also interviewed Arantxa Zubillaga, a reference of the local Basque community.