Vancouver, Canada. In a year notably changed by the Coronavirus, the Olentzero also had to adapt his habits to keep his annual dates with children at Basque clubs. This was the case this year in British Columbia with the Olentzero respecting the health protocols strictly and so meeting with children over Zoom. During the meeting children and adults sung Christmas carols, and opened gifts sharing their excitement.
Prior to the event Vancouver’s French daily La Source published an article on December 8th entitled «Zorionak eta urte berri on»: La communauté basque de Vancouver fête Noël ("Zorionak eta urte berri on": the Basque community in Vancouver celebrates Christmas), including an interview with club president, Julai Etchart, and her grandfather Mike Etchart (Olentzero) and club member Joseba Kamio.
The meeting with the Olentzero for the children and their families took place the weekend before Christmas and participating were Julia Etchart (Zazpiak Bat president), Elena Sommer (Vice-President), Mike Etchart (director), Marina Heidt (webmaster), Joseba Kamio (co-webmaster) and Gorka Irigoien (language director), along with Miguel Hernández (technician and video).
Among the children attending align with their families were Julia Etchart and her children Nicolás and Mikel; Tina Etchart and children, Emily, Matteo, Miguel and Maite; Marina (Hernández) Heidt and her children Alexis, Amaia and Amelie; Toni and Dennis Hume, and Ben Hume; Elena Sommer; Toby and Mercedes Maritorena, and Isabel Maritorena; Edurne Berastegi and her children Anne and Nikole,jalong with at least another five families. (Excuse us if we’ve left anyone out).
Thank you to everyone. Here is the video of the Olentzero’s visit (22' 37"):
The Olentzero is Mike Etchart’s good friend
-British Columbia Zazpiak Bat Basque Club: https://bcbasque.com
-On Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCBASQUE
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