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The reunion will begin on Wednesday March 23 even though the organizers are sure that they it might be continue through the 24th.  Invited by Ignacio Otegui, originally of Leaburu, Gipuzkoa, but living in Washington DC area, along with Rodolfo Godofredo Otegui from Lezama, Buenos Aires, and Liliana Otegui, from Victoria, Entre Rios, the festivities will gather Oteguis and Otegis from Argentina, Uruguay and the Basque Country. 

Lezama, Argentina. The Argentine city of Lezama will be the site of the First Argentine Reunion of the Oteguis/Otegis, on March 23.  Even if the invitation is for Wednesday of Holy Week, organizers think that given the joy and enthusiasm of those who will attend, it may be extended through the next day.

The idea for the reunion was that of Ignacio Otegui, who even after living in Maryland for 35 years, started to research his family history, and that of his grandfather, his grandfather’s brothers and their descendants.  “My grandfather, Jose Antonio Otegui Argaya was from Leaburu, a town located a few kilometers from Tolosa, Gipuzkoa,” Ignacio Otegui explained to EuskalKultura.com.

“His brothers were also born there, Francisco María, José Francisco, Feliz (Felix) and Buenaventura.  Unlike my grandfather that stayed in his hometown, his four brothers went to Argentina at the end of the 19th century and settled in Lezama.  Now, at this Otegui reunion, and on my first trip to Argentina, I will personally be able to meet my great uncles’ descendants.  This is a great opportunity,” he expressed excitedly as one of the original promotors of the reunion.

Even if the reunion is on the eve of Holy Week, the seed was planted some time ago by Ignacio, when he decided to get to know his roots better and decided to create the Otegui family tree.  After nearly a year of work, he found information back to 1560.  “During my research on my ancestors, I found many amazing stories; some very nice, and others sad; but all are part of the process,” Ignacio explained.

The first Argentine Reunion of the Oteguis/Otegis will begin at 9pm on the 23rd of March at Don Alesio (Libres del Sur 480), in Lezama where they will be served a typical argentine BBQ, accompanied by good wine.  The invitation is extended to all of the descendants of the Otegui Argaya brothers, but also to any Facebook members of The Oteguis/Otegis of the World, a tool that was fundamental in facilitating this reunion, and making contacts. Lisa Corcostegui and her company, The Basque Branch, were technical partners.